Denying reports that there were conflicts between Tamil Nadu and Kerala over water-sharing issues, the Kerala Chief Minister, Oomen Chandy, told reporters that they “will release water, as required.” “Even if a new dam is built, we will continue to give the usual quantity of water, since Tamil Nadu required water for five districts,” he said.

Explaining the need to construct a new dam, the chief minister said that they were concerned about the safety of the 117-year-old dam. Chandy had come to Coimbatore to attend the Onam celebrations organized by the Kairali Cultural Association.

Chandy also denied the allegations made by the Tamil Nadu Minister of Agriculture, Vaithilingam, that cardamoms from Kerala have more pesticide.