Committee comprising Idukki and Theni collectors needed to take immediate decisions regarding Mullaperiyar: Kerala at SC

NEW DELHI: Kerala has asked the Supreme Court for a technical committee comprising collectors of Idukki and Theni districts to take immediate decisions, including opening the shutters of the Mullaperiyar dam. The state also asked for a change in the existing rule curve.

The bench headed by Justice AN Khanwilkar will continue to hear Kerala's arguments today.

Jaideep Gupta, Kerala's lawyer, argued that the oversight committee comprising representatives of the Central Water Commission and both the states are not capable of taking immediate decisions like opening the shutters of the Mullaperiyar Dam. During floods, the opening of shutters at night by Tamil Nadu without warning is a threat to the locals. Therefore, a technical committee comprising Idukki and Theni district collectors is needed to take a quick decision.

Kerala also questioned the current rule curve which raises the water level to 142 feet on September 20 and November 30 in a rainy year. Only Mullaperiyar has such a rule curve. Maintaining the maximum water level should be shortened to one time. Tamil Nadu's arguments in this regard should be rejected. Kerala also pointed out that the maximum water level should be less than 142 feet, taking into account the extra water flow during floods.

Kerala has been arguing that the 126-year-old dam cannot be strengthened and that a new dam should be built. When Kerala informed that the environmental impact study related to the new dam is continuing, the court asked when it will be completed. Kerala replied that it can be hopefully completed within three months.