Mullaperiyar Dam won't survive another flood, says authentic report

KOCHI: The great floods that wreaked havoc a century back were partially due to the excess water stored in Mullaperiyar dam. The dam would be at risk if faced with a similar flood now, according to an authentic report exclusively given to Kerala Kaumudi. This report was prepared by the then-dam superintendent J. Johnson and submitted to the Madras government.

On July 16 and 17, 1924, the dam overflowed during a heavy downpour in the catchment. According to the report prepared by J. Johnson, all the shutters in the spillway were open to avert disaster from the floods.

From 5;30 pm on July 16, 1924, to 10 am on the 17th, all 10 shutters were opened and 89,217 cubic feet of water flowed per second. Despite this, the water level in the dam could not be lowered. The maximum storage capacity of 152 feet was exceeded, as the total storage reached 153.90 feet.

The Travancore government was unaware of the consequences. Telegrams were forwarded to the Travancore government, but it failed to reach the destination.

In the Mullaperiyar lease agreement, it was stipulated that in case of opening of the dam, 11 centres including Travancore Chief Secretary, Kottayam Diwan Peshkar, Travancore Chief Engineer, Kochi Diwan and Devikulam Commissioner should be notified.

Another report said that the Mullaperiyar Dam would be in danger if faced with a 1924-like flood. It is annexed to the Dam Superintendent's report. This points to the weak condition of the right side wall (earthen mound) of the dam. The suggestion to fix this has not been followed.

Exact figures for the damage and loss of life during the 1924 floods are unavailable.