Congress Raises Urgent Issues in Lok Sabha: Mullaperiyar Dam and Caste-Based Census in Focus

Congress MPs Hibi Eden and Manickam Tagore have raised urgent concerns in Lok Sabha through adjournment motions. Eden highlighted the imminent threat posed by the century-old Mullaperiyar Dam, calling for its immediate reconstruction. Tagore emphasized the need for a timely caste-based census amid budget cuts.

Congress MP Hibi Eden on Wednesday submitted an adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha to discuss the pressing issue of the Mullaperiyar Dam. 'I hereby give notice of my intention to ask for leave to move a motion for the adjournment of the business of the house for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent importance,' Hibi Eden stated.

'The Mullaperiyar Dam, a century old structure, poses an imminent threat that we can no longer afford to ignore. The need to reconstruct the Mullaperiyar Dam is not just an engineering challenge but a moral and humanitarian imperative. The reconstruction of the Mullaperiyar Dam is not just a regional issue; it is a national priority. We must act decisively and swiftly to prevent a potential disaster that could claim countless lives and cause irreversible damage,' he added. The Congress leader stressed that the government should take proactive steps to decommission the Mullaperiyar Dam at the earliest.

Mullaperiyar Dam is a masonry gravity dam on the Periyar River in the Idukki district of Kerala. Earlier, Congress MP Manickam Tagore submitted an adjournment motion notice in Lok Sabha to discuss the issue of 'Caste-based Census.'

'I hereby give notice of my intention to ask for leave to move a motion for the adjournment of the business of the house for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent importance, namely: Today I address the urgent need for a caste-based census,' Tagore stated. 'The drastic budget cut for the Census to Rs 1,309.46 crore from Rs 3,768 crore raises concerns about the government's commitment to timely and effective data collection, which is crucial for social justice and targeted welfare for marginalized communities. The lack of necessary funds impacts the efficacy of this important process. We urge the government to prioritize and complete the caste-based census promptly to ensure social justice and equitable progress,' he added.

The budget session of Parliament began on July 22 and is set to conclude on August 12. (ANI)