Kerala's demand in Mullaperiyar case: Security should be evaluated by international experts

NEW DELHI: In an affidavit filed in the Supreme Court, Kerala has demanded an independent panel of international experts to examine the safety of the Mullaperiyar Dam.

The new affidavit was filed on Monday night in response to a status report submitted by the Central Water Commission two months ago and approved by Tamil Nadu. Following Tamil Nadu's request for time to study Kerala's new arguments, the Supreme Court adjourned the final hearing which was scheduled to begin on Tuesday to Wednesday.

Kerala has sought the help of international experts, citing a report in the Central Water Commission report that a detailed security review is needed. An independent panel of engineers and related experts working on the safety of dams should conduct inspections. The guidelines prepared by the Central Water Commission in 2018 stating that the dams should be inspected every ten years should also be followed. Kerala has raised seven arguments in the Supreme Court.