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Experts could review Tehri dam: PM

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Tuesday indicated that experts could review the Tehri dam in the Garhwal Himalayas.

He told reporters in Lucknow that though there was 'no threat to the dam in Uttaranchal from earthquakes, a fresh survey could be conducted by experts'.

"There are claims and counter claims by various experts on whether the dam could withstand the fury of earthquakes of the magnitude of the one that struck Gujarat," Vajpayee said.

"Though we are confident that there is no such threat, in the wake of Gujarat earthquake, there is no harm re-surveying the project," he said.

He declined to comment on the Vishwa Hindu Parishad-sponsored Dharam Sansad at the Kumbh Mela setting the deadline for temple construction at the disputed site in Ayodhya before March 12 next year.

"Yes, I have read the statement and noted it," he said refusing to be dragged in the controversy.

The prime minister justified his government's decision to extend the ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir saying it was in keeping with wishes of the people of the state.

"Our decision to extend the ceasefire in the valley is in line with people's aspirations of peace and there is nothing wrong in our decision," Vajpayee told reporters.

He said, "The government's peace efforts have generated lot of hope among the people in J&K and militancy is only harming the interest of the state."

In reply to a question, the prime minister said there was a strong demand for separation of Jammu and Ladakh from the Kashmir Valley but "I do not agree with such a view."

COMPLETE COVERAGE
The quake in Gujarat
Government initiated ceasefire in J&K

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