SC interim order to continue as TN allowed to raise water level in Mullaperiyar Dam to 142 ft

NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu has been given permission to raise the water level in the Mullaperiyar to 142 feet. The interim order of the Supreme Court in this regard will continue. The court noted Kerala's position that an urgent order Is not required at present. The petition was adjourned to December 10 for a detailed hearing.

In an interim order issued by the Supreme Court on October 28, it was directed that the water level in the Mullaperiyar Dam should be maintained as per the rule curve approved by the Central Water Commission. However, in an interim order, the court directed the oversight committee to assess the situation and take appropriate action in case of an emergency. The apex court said today that the order will continue till a final decision is taken in the case.

The case was adjourned to December 10, considering the urgency of completing the arguments in the two half-heard cases. Jayadeep Gupta, appearing for Kerala, said that their focus Is not on the urgent order in the Mullaperiyar case as it was based on the recommendations of the oversight committee. Instead, Kerala pointed out that the concerns raised by Kerala regarding the rule curve proposed by Tamil Nadu should be addressed.