Mullaperiyar: Stop this nonsense

Switch on the TV there is a special news section on Mullaperiyar dam issue. Front page news is on Mullaperiyar. Roads are barricaded with cutouts of political leaders with dam as background. Walls are occupied by posters of political parties, trade unions, associations, NGOs, school children and what not. Dam is discussed over a cup of tea by everyone at any hotel. Discussions are more agitated at bars. Public in Kerala is on a frenzy matched only during elections. Media is feeding it for their TRPs. Selfish politicians are on roads with all usual gimmicks in the name of common man.

Why most of us are not able to see this through? Yes, it is a serious issue which needs a political solution. But is it as serious as media and political parties make this out to be. Definitely no. The biggest culprit here is media, who are feeding this frenzy and making public the lame duck.

I am thinking of Japan now. They live in the constant fear of earthquakes and massive destruction that would follow, every day of their life. They are prepared for such an eventuality. Yes, the issue here is not entirely comparable but why can't we approach the issue rationally like Japanese do. Instead we prefer to wail in front of cameras. Can we stop this nonsense? Can our political leaders from Kerala be men and find a solution from Tamil Nadu government instead of playing high handedness on the back of central government? Can our media act with a decorum that is expected from them? Amicable solution will not be far then.