Kerala Dam Mullaperiyar

Nestled amidst the lush green hills of Thekkady in Keralas Idukki district, the Mullaperiyar Dam stands as a testament to British-era engineering and a symbol of interstate contention. While it plays a crucial role in water supply and irrigation for parts of Tamil Nadu, it is also at the heart of a long-standing and emotionally charged dispute with Kerala.

Built in the late 19th century, this dam continues to be a point of legal, political, and environmental debate. The conflict touches on issues like water sharing, dam safety, aging infrastructure, and state rights, making the Kerala Dam Mullaperiyar not just a structure of concrete and steel, but one of diplomacy and distrust.

Location and Historical Context

The Mullaperiyar Dam is a concrete gravity dam constructed across the Periyar River, one of Kerala's most significant rivers. Although the dam is physically located in Kerala, its ownership, maintenance, and operation lie with Tamil Nadu, making it a unique and controversial setup.

• Location: Thekkady, Idukki District, Kerala

• River: Periyar

• Type: Concrete gravity dam

• Height: 155 feet (47 meters)

• Length: 1200 feet (365 meters)

• Reservoir Area: 8.5 square kilometers

• Construction Period: 1887 to 1895

• Built By: British colonial authorities under a lease agreement

Purpose and Function of the Dam

Originally constructed by the British to divert water from the west-flowing Periyar River to the rain-shadow regions of Tamil Nadu, the dam was envisioned as a tool for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation.

Key Benefits:

• Provides irrigation water to Theni, Madurai, Sivaganga, and Ramanathapuram districts in Tamil Nadu

• Supports agricultural productivity in otherwise dry regions

• Assists in flood control

• Generates hydroelectric power for Tamil Nadu

• Facilitates year-round cultivation, transforming arid lands into fertile farmland

The Mullaperiyar Dispute: A Tale of Two States

Despite its utility, the Mullaperiyar Dam has been a bone of contention between Kerala and Tamil Nadu for decades. At the heart of the issue lies the ownership versus location paradoxthe dam is situated in Kerala, but Tamil Nadu holds operational control under a 999-year lease agreement signed in 1886.

Keralas Concerns:

• The dam is over 125 years old, raising fears of structural failure

• Its location in a seismically active zone exacerbates risk

• A collapse could flood downstream areas in Kerala, particularly Idukki, posing a threat to thousands of lives

• Kerala has demanded that the permissible water level be maintained at 136 feet for safety reasons

Tamil Nadus Position:

• The dam is essential for irrigation and drinking water in many Tamil Nadu districts

• Tamil Nadu wants the reservoir level to be maintained at 142 feet, as per the Supreme Courts ruling

• The state argues that the dam is structurally sound after strengthening measures

• Opposes the construction of a new dam by Kerala, fearing disruption of water flow

The Lease Agreement: A Colonial Legacy

The agreement signed in 1886 between the Maharaja of Travancore (now Kerala) and the British government of the Madras Presidency (now Tamil Nadu) allowed Tamil Nadu to build and operate the dam for 999 years. This pre-independence agreement remains legally binding but is now viewed by Kerala as unfair and outdated.

Kerala has raised concerns that:

• The agreement does not reflect modern-day realities

• It limits Keralas control over its own natural resources

• A fresh agreement is necessary to address safety and ecological considerations

Supreme Court Involvement

Due to repeated disagreements and rising tensions, the issue reached the Supreme Court of India, which has issued several important judgments:

Key Developments:

• In 2006, the Court ruled in favor of raising the water level to 142 feet

• Kerala passed the Dam Safety Act limiting the level to 136 feet, leading to further litigation

• In 2014, the Court struck down Keralas law and allowed Tamil Nadu to raise the water level

• A supervisory committee was appointed to monitor safety and coordinate between both states

While the Court has ruled in Tamil Nadus favor, it also emphasized safety monitoring and regular inspections to mitigate risk.

Safety Concerns and Environmental Impact

Kerala's primary concern remains the safety of the dam. Experts and environmentalists have warned that:

• The dam, built with lime-surkhi mortar, may not withstand a major earthquake

• The region falls in seismic zone III, and an earthquake could trigger a catastrophic collapse

• The Idukki Reservoir, located just downstream, would not be able to handle a sudden deluge from Mullaperiyars breach

• Environmental degradation and deforestation in the area increase the risk of landslides and flooding

Kerala has proposed constructing a new dam downstream to replace the existing one, ensuring both water availability and safety. However, Tamil Nadu strongly opposes this, fearing reduced control over the water flow.

Political and Public Reactions

The issue has led to heated political debates, protests, and public petitions in both states. In Kerala, the dam is often seen as a ticking time bomb, while in Tamil Nadu, it is viewed as a lifeline for farmers.

Both sides have appealed to the central government, but a long-term resolution remains elusive due to the sensitive nature of interstate water sharing.

The Way Forward

The Mullaperiyar Dam highlights the broader challenges India faces when it comes to managing shared water resources. As climate change intensifies and water scarcity becomes a national issue, such disputes may become more frequent and intense.

Suggested Measures:

• Constructing a new, safer dam as proposed by Kerala

• Establishing a joint management committee for transparent operations

• Periodic structural assessments and public disclosure of findings

• Reviewing and modernizing the lease agreement in consultation with all stakeholders

• Encouraging scientific dialogue over political rhetoric

Conclusion

The Kerala Dam Mullaperiyar issue is more than just a technical or legal battleit is about balancing human safety, resource rights, and interstate cooperation. While Tamil Nadus dependence on the dam is undeniable, Keralas fears cannot be brushed aside, especially when the lives of millions may be at stake.

As India continues to grow and develop, the Mullaperiyar dispute serves as a critical reminder that progress must be sustainable, inclusive, and safe. Only through open dialogue, mutual respect, and expert-driven solutions can this age-old dam continue to serve both stateswithout becoming a disaster waiting to happen.