The former Kerala Minister, P.J. Joseph, caused a stir at a meeting of scientists here when he raised the dispute between Tamil Nadu and Kerala over the Mullaiperiyar dam and called for a scientific solution to the problem. Emphasising that the dam was a 110-year-old earthen structure and that the Central Water Commission had recommended in 1979 that another dam be constructed in its place. Mr. Joseph said scientists should examine the safety aspects of the dam and come out with an independent assessment. "Scientists must intervene in the issue. There are certain ground realities [that need to be looked into]. They should examine all the aspects. There is a need for an independent assessment and the scientific community must be bold enough to speak out. If the scientists recommend that it [the dam] was strong enough, it can remain. If they recommend that it is not, then another dam must be constructed."