Chennai, Dec 5 (IANS): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa Sunday urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to deploy central forces to protect the Mullaperiyar dam in Kerala, citing a threat of mobs attempting to damage it.

In a letter, the text of which was released to the media here, Jayalalithaa said: "In view of the violent activities reported at the dam site, it is imperative that central forces be deployed at the dam immediately."

"I, therefore, request you to order the deployment of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at the dam site to avert any man made catastrophic consequences," she wroted.

"A mob of 200 people damaged the gate at the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board facility at the dam yesterday (Saturday) and today (Sunday) certain lumpen elements marched towards the dam from Vallakadavu (Kerala) with a JCB (earthmoving machine) and some implements, with the intention of letting out water and wanting to damage the dam."

"As I have pointed out earlier, the orchestrated campaign of fear mongering carried on by the Kerala government has led to this situation wherein the very security and safety of the dam is being deliberately threatened," she added.

According to her, the current situation of fear and panic mongering by the Kerala government was beyond comprehension.

Jayalalithaa said the situation "requires mature and informed decisions and wise handling at the level of the prime minister".

Tamil Nadu wants the storage capacity of the dam in Kerala's Idukki district to be increased by raising the dam height - from 136 feet (41.5 m) to 142 feet (43 m) to meet growing irrigation needs in Tamil Nadu.

Kerala has said that it was not against giving water to Tamil Nadu, but at the same time argued that a new dam was needed as the 115-year-old Mullaperiyar dam was frequently hit by tremors.