Panaji, Nov 30 (IANS): Protests over the contentious Mullaperiyar dam in Idukki, Kerala, echoed at the 42nd International Film Festival of India (IFFI), as film personalities and journalists from Kerala demanded immediate repairs to the over 100-year-old dam, which according to the protesters had outlived its longevity.

Ravindran, a Keralite actor who was present at the festival, was one of the over 100 protesters who wore black bands and shouted slogans at the festival venue, demanding immediate repairs to the 155-ft high dam which runs across the river Periyar.

"We are protesting here so that the international community takes note of the Mullaperiyar issue. The dam is disintegrating and needs immediate repairs," said Ravindran, who made first waves in a 1982 Malayalam film 'Eanadu'.

Award winning creative artist Soorya Krishnamoorthy who also participated in the protests said the central government should wake up to the plight of the Mullaperiyar dam.

"We as artists and journalists are expressing our solidarity to the cause of the Mullaperiyar dam. The dam should be repaired at the earliest or three to four districts downstream of the dam will face terrible damage," Soorya said.