Disaster if Mullaperiyar dam collapses, Kerala for new dam in SC

NEW DELHI: If anything happens to the Mullaperiyar Dam, the disaster it will cause is unimaginable, Kerala informed the Supreme Court. The existing Mullaperiyar Dam should be decommissioned for the safety of 30 lakh people in five districts. Kerala demands a new dam and ensure water for Tamil Nadu and security for the people of Kerala. Standing Consul G Prakash wrote state government's argument and handed it over to the court.

The water level in Idukki Dam is rising to the level of maximum storage capacity. Kerala said getting more water in less time will complicate the situation. Therefore, Kerala wants maximum water to be drawn by Tamil Nadu.

Kerala informed the Supreme Court that the rule curve approved by the Central Water Commission is not acceptable. The rule curve prepared by Tamil Nadu was approved by the Central Water Commission. This is not acceptable.

As per the rule curve prepared by Tamil Nadu, the water level in the dam could reach 138 feet till October 31. The maximum water level on November 10 should be 139.5 feet, maximum water level on November 20 is 141 feet and the maximum water level on November 30 is 142 feet. However, Kerala said this is not acceptable in unpredictable weather.

Kerala is of the stand that the maximum water level could reach 136 feet till October 31. Kerala’s rule curve clarifies that the maximum water level on November 10 is 138.3 feet, maximum water level on November 20 is 139.6 feet and maximum water level on November 30 is 140 feet.

Kerala has clarified in the Supreme Court that the water level should not be raised to 142 feet at any stage. The maximum water level in the Mullaperiyar dam can be raised to 142 feet, the supervisory committee said in the report submitted to the Supreme Court yesterday. However, Kerala alleged that the views expressed at the supervisory committee meeting were not reflected in the report submitted by them in the Supreme Court. Kerala also alleged that the committee did not submit their dissent note to the Supreme Court.

An expert panel had in 2012 reported that the water level in the Mullaperiyar Dam could rise to 142 feet.