MULLAPERIYAR DAM
On February 19, 2025, the Supreme Court directed a newly formed supervisory committee to look into Tamil Nadu’s concerns about Kerala’s handling of the 125-year-old Mullaperiyar dam.
- Tamil Nadu has accused Kerala of delaying essential maintenance work on the dam, such as repairs and granting permits.
- Kerala has raised safety concerns about the dam but has obstructed necessary work to strengthen it.
- The committee, which is chaired by the head of the National Dam Safety Authority, has been given responsibility with finding a solution that is agreeable to both Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
- If the dispute continues, the committee is to report back to the court. The court also asked for all related petitions to be brought before one bench for efficient hearing.
HISTORY OF THE DAM
- Location: The dam is located in the Cardamom Hills, Western Ghats, in the Idukki district of Kerala, at an altitude of 881 meters (2,890 feet) above sea level.
- Construction: Built between 1887-1895 by British engineer John Pennycuick to divert water from the Periyar River to irrigate the arid regions of Tamil Nadu. The project aimed to convert barren lands into fertile agricultural areas.
- Initial Agreement: The agreement for water sharing was between the Pandya Kings and the Travancore Kingdom, later formalized into a 999-year lease in 1886 between the Maharaja of Travancore and the British government.
- Post-Independence: Following India’s independence and the formation of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, Kerala contested the validity of the 1886 agreement, seeking a revised arrangement. However, negotiations failed until the 1970 renewal of the agreement under Kerala’s Chief Minister C. Achutha Menon.
MULLAPERIYAR DAM DISPUTE
- Kerala’s Concerns: Kerala raised concerns about the dam’s safety, particularly its age (126 years), its structural integrity, and the threat posed by seismic activity in the region.
- Kerala fears that any earthquake over a magnitude of 6 on the Richter scale could trigger a disaster, endangering millions of lives.
- Tamil Nadu’s Position: Tamil Nadu contends that the dam is safe and operational, with strengthening measures implemented over the years.
- It also argues that the current water level limit of 136 feet should be raised to 142 feet to meet the irrigation and water needs of several districts in Tamil Nadu.
SC’S INVOLVEMENT
- 2006: SC allowed raising the water level to 142 feet, pending necessary repairs.
- 2010: SC formed a five-member empowered committee, which confirmed the dam’s structural safety but recommended repairs.
- 2014: The Supreme Court declared Kerala’s Irrigation Act of 2006 unconstitutional, allowing Tamil Nadu to raise the water level to 142 feet and establishing a permanent Supervisory Committee to oversee safety concerns.
CORE ISSUE:
- Dam Safety & Monitoring: Concerns regarding the instrumentation and safety monitoring of the dam.
- Rule Curve Finalization: The “rule curve” determines the fluctuating water levels in the reservoir, critical for dam safety. Delays in its finalization have been a major point of contention.
- Gate Operation Schedule: Disagreements over the outdated gate operation schedule (since 1939), which is seen as a safety risk.
KEY DEVELOPMENTS
- Dam Safety Act 2021: This Act mandates the creation of the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA), ensuring proper surveillance and maintenance of dams, including Mullaperiyar. It also introduces accountability measures for non-compliance, with penalties such as imprisonment or fines.
- Committee Reform: In 2022, the Supreme Court reformed the supervisory committee to include technical experts from both Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The committee’s role mirrors that of the NDSA and holds the power to make binding decisions regarding dam safety.
ARGUMENTS FROM BOTH STATES
- Kerala: Argues that the dam is unsafe due to its age and the seismic risk in the region.
- Kerala advocates for constructing a new dam or decommissioning the current one to ensure the safety of millions of lives.
- Tamil Nadu: Insists that the dam is well-maintained and that the rise in water level to 142 feet is essential for meeting agricultural and domestic water needs in Tamil Nadu.
- They have also criticized Kerala for obstructing the finalization of the rule curve.
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