MPs from Kerala and Tamil Nadu were engaged in a heated debate in the Lok Sabha on Friday afternoon over the safety of Mullaperiyar dam following concerns raised by a Congress MP from Kerala.

According to a PTI report, when Congress MP from Kerala Anto Antony expressed concern over reported cracks in the dam due to rising water levels, AIADMK members threatened to storm the well of the House in protest.

Other MPs from Kerala then rushed to support Anto’s views, reiterating that their worry was justified and in no way reflected any opposition to sharing of the dam-waters with TN.

The clash showed so no signs of abating, thereby forcing the Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to adjourn the House for lunch.

The two neighbouring southern states have been involved in a long legal battle over the Mullaperiyar dam vis-à-vis its control, safety and lease aspects.