THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has declined to join issue in the raging Mullaperiyar issue, pointing out that what is going on “is nothing but hype by the media and a few leaders.’’SHRC Chairman Justice J B Koshy said that it cannot intervene on the issue now since it is being under consideration of the Supreme Court and the National Human Rights Commission.However, the Chairman issued notice to the state Chief Secretary to give an explanation within three days on the precautionary measures taken by the state to save the lives and properties of nearly 35 lakh people in the event of a breach of the dam. Notices have been issued to the Home Secretary, Water Resources Secretary and Idukki District Collector also.Dismissing a public interest petition filed on Thursday demanding an SHRC team visit to the dam, he observed that a fear psychosis had been created among the people by the media and there was no need for creating any more. “If the water level is brought down to 120 ft, a failure of the dam could be contained by the Idukki dam,’’ he said.Disaster Management Authority Meet With a view to assuaging the feelings of the people on the Mullaperiyar issue, an emergency meeting of the State Disaster Management Authority will be held here on Friday. Revenue-Vigilance Minister Tiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan hasconvened the meeting at 11 a.m.Plans to install digital sensors in the area below the water course of the dam and infrared cameras in the vicinity of the dam are afoot to ensure a proper warning mechanism. Digital Broadband stations (seismographs) will be set up at Vallakadavu, Meenkettu and Idamalayar to record the intensity of earthquakes, which will be part of a contingency plan with an outlay of Rs 3 crore.
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