Srirangapatna: Refuting  the claims by some that the KRS Dam across River Cauvery in Srirangapatna taluk of Mandya district has developed cracks, Mandya District In-charge Minister K.C. Narayanagowda has asserted that there are no cracks and the dam is absolutely safe.

He was speaking  to presspersons after taking part in the Environment Day celebration organised at a park near Wellesley Bridge in Srirangapatna on Saturday.

Maintaining that he was not aware of what Mandya MP Sumalatha has actually said about the condition of the Dam, Narayanagowda reiterated that no cracks have appeared and the Dam is perfectly stable.

Contending that the officials had conducted a survey of the Dam twice through outside agencies in respect of the Dam’s safety and stability, he said that both the survey reports said that no cracks were found on the Dam’s entire structure.

Asserting  that he was opposed to quarrying activities in the vicinity of the Dam, the Minister said he does not wish to reply to anyone who casts doubt on the safety of KRS Dam.

Arguing that the Government was committed for putting an end  to illegal mining  and quarrying activities allegedly going on in the district, Narayanagowda however said that the Government will not act against authorised mines which are functioning in accordance with rules and regulations.

The Minister appealed with folded hands not to question him about MP Sumalatha’s reported remarks that cracks had appeared in KRS Dam.

University of Mysore Vice-Chancellor Prof. G. Hemantha Kumar, NSS Co-ordinator Suresh, State NSS Officer Pratap Lingaiah, Assistant Commissioner Shivanandamurthy, Tahsildar M.V. Roopa, TP EO Bhyrappa, Assistant Director of Youth Empowerment and Sports Department Anitha, NSS Special Nodal Officer Dr. Raghavendra and others were present.