Mullaperiyar: Vijay government’s stand on new dam raises fresh concern in Kerala

IDUKKI: Concerns have resurfaced among lakhs of people in Kerala after the Tamil Nadu government made it clear that it would not permit the construction of a new dam at Mullaperiyar. The stand taken by the Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government came shortly after Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan expressed hope that talks with the new Tamil Nadu administration could pave the way for a resolution to the long-standing dispute. However, the TVK government has chosen to retain the position adopted by successive Tamil Nadu governments on the Mullaperiyar issue.

Citing the 2014 Supreme Court order, Tamil Nadu aims to raise the dam's water level to 152 feet. The TVK secured a major victory in 16 of the 29 Assembly constituencies across southern Tamil Nadu districts, including Madurai, Ramanathapuram, Theni, Dindigul, and Sivaganga, where farmers largely depend on Mullaperiyar water for agriculture. The government’s stance is being viewed as an effort by Vijay to address regional sentiments and consolidate support among his party’s voter base.

Dam built for 50 years, now over 130 years old
The Mullaperiyar Dam was built in 1895 during British rule with an estimated lifespan of only 50 years. The dam is now more than 130 years old. Kerala’s official stand is that a new and safer dam should be built in place of the ageing structure while ensuring that Tamil Nadu continues to receive the required water.

Central intervention needed
Following a 2022 interim order of the Supreme Court, the Mullaperiyar issue is currently under the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) of the Union government. The powers of the supervisory committee are now with the NDSA. The first inspection of the dam was completed under former NDSA chairman Anil Jain. A robotic inspection to assess the strength of the dam has also been completed. However, the report has not been released yet.

The next step is an inspection and study by an independent expert committee. The delay happened due to the appointment of a new chairman and simultaneous elections in both states.

"Tamil Nadu’s statement that a new dam will not be allowed before the expert committee completes its safety inspection is immature and irresponsible. Tamil Nadu should give up its rigid stand to prevent a major disaster feared by Kerala," said Dean Kuriakose MP.

"Tamil Nadu’s stand is a challenge to the people living in the coastal areas. We will meet the Chief Ministers of both Tamil Nadu and Kerala and present the concerns," said Mullaperiyar Struggle Committee convenor Shaji P. Joseph.