Kozhikkode: Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister O Panneeselvam on Monday said he would hold talks with Kerala in connection with increasing the water level in Mullaperyar dam to 152 feet.

He told reporters near Kumily during his visit to the dam to inspect release of water to Tamil Nadu through Vaigai river for irrigation in five districts.

Meanwhile, Kerala has demanded the apex committee appointed by the Supreme Court visit and evaluate the condition of the dam in the wake of water level rising to 127.4 feet.The Kerala Irrigation department has expressed concern over seepage of water through blocks 10 and 11.

It has submitted a report to the committee in this regard. Kerala expressed concern over the committee ignoring Supreme Court directives and said raising the level will increase the seepage.The permissible water level in the dam is 142 feet against its full level of 155 feet.

The Supreme Court had constituted a three-member committee headed by Central Water Commission to monitor the dam periodically, mainly during monsoon, and give necessary instructions to the two states.

It had allowed raising the level from 136 feet to 142 feet and to 152 feet after carrying out necessary reinforcement works in the over century-old dam.