Kerala Rejects Tamil Nadu Proposal to Increase Mullaperiyar Reservoir Water Levels
Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph announced Kerala will petition the Supreme Court if Tamil Nadu attempts to raise water levels beyond 142 feet. The state government claims critical safety inspections and court-ordered maintenance have been neglected for the 131-year-old dam.
Key takeaways
- Kerala will approach the Supreme Court if Tamil Nadu unilaterally raises the Mullaperiyar water level beyond the 142-foot limit.
- Minister Mons Joseph claims that mandatory safety inspections and baby dam strengthening measures have not been implemented.
- The Kerala government continues to advocate for a new dam construction as the only permanent solution for public safety.
- A comprehensive safety audit by the National Dam Safety Authority, originally due in December, has yet to be conducted.
The Impasse Over Water Limits
Kerala Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph reaffirmed the state's unwavering opposition to any increase in the Mullaperiyar dam's water level during a press briefing in Kottayam on Thursday. The statement follows the Tamil Nadu government's recent budget announcement declaring its intent to pursue water levels beyond the current 142-foot cap. Kerala officials maintain that neither state possesses the authority to unilaterally adjust these limits, which were established through Supreme Court proceedings to balance regional interests.
Safety Directives Unfulfilled
Minister Joseph highlighted a significant lack of compliance regarding safety protocols mandated by the apex court. According to the Minister, Tamil Nadu has failed to conduct necessary inspections or implement strengthening measures for the secondary 'baby dam.' Kerala has formally requested that the National Dam Safety Authority lead a comprehensive safety audit, an action originally slated for completion by December 31. The Minister noted that even basic safety reviews remain pending despite the age of the structure, which is now 131 years old.
Key Facts
- Kerala demands the construction of a new dam to ensure the safety of downstream residents while maintaining water supply to Tamil Nadu.
- Minister Joseph criticized the lack of tangible progress over the last decade, stating that previous diplomatic efforts failed to produce significant decisions.
- The state has appointed Ashutosh Das of Odisha as its representative on the Mullaperiyar Expert Committee to ensure a rigorous technical defense of Kerala's position.
- An emergency meeting convened by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan recently reviewed the implications of Tamil Nadu's budget proposal.
Flood Management and Infrastructure
Addressing immediate regional concerns, the Minister reported that floodwaters in Kottayam and Upper Kuttanad are beginning to recede. While accumulated debris at the Thottappally spillway in Alappuzha initially hindered drainage, Joseph confirmed that remedial actions have restored the flow of water into the sea. The state government remains focused on ensuring the operational integrity of water discharge systems during the current period of heightened environmental concern.
What Happens Next
The Kerala government is preparing to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court if Tamil Nadu proceeds with its plan to raise the reservoir level. The state intends to lobby the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Central government to prioritize the safety audit by the National Dam Safety Authority. Negotiations will likely focus on finding a consensus that preserves the security of Kerala's citizens without disrupting the water requirements of Tamil Nadu.
Source: The Hindu — National
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