The decades-long dispute between Kerala and Tamil Nadu has taken a new turn with the recent decision by the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The Ministry has constituted a three-member Supervisory Committee to resolve the ongoing tension over the Mullaperiyar dam. The conflict dates back to the 1960s, with Kerala expressing deep-rooted safety concerns about the dam and advocating for a reduction in its water levels. However, Tamil Nadu has consistently been against this, mainly because the dam’s water caters to five districts in the state and plays an integral role in irrigation and power generation.
The Mullaperiyar Dam Dispute
The Mullaperiyar dam, located where the Mullayar and Periyar rivers meet in Kerala’s Idukki district, is at the heart of this longstanding friction. The dam is operated and maintained by Tamil Nadu, fulfilling the drinking water and irrigation needs of five of its southern districts. This arrangement stems from a 999-year lease agreement established during the British rule, which handed over operational rights to Tamil Nadu. The dam primarily diverts the waters of the west-flowing river Periyar eastward to the arid rain-shadow regions of Tamil Nadu.
Significance of the Periyar River
Playing a vital role in this scenario is the Periyar River, Kerala’s longest river at 244 km long. It is aptly referred to as the ‘Lifeline of Kerala’, being one of the state’s few perennial rivers – a river that has continuous flow in parts of its stream bed throughout the year. The Periyar River originates from the Sivagiri hills of Western Ghats and threads its way through the Periyar National Park. Its main tributaries include Muthirapuzha, Mullayar, Cheruthoni, and Perinjankutti.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Nature of River | Perennial |
| Origin | Sivagiri hills of Western Ghats |
| Length | 244 km |
| Main Tributaries | Muthirapuzha, Mullayar, Cheruthoni, and Perinjankutti |
| Passes through | Periyar National Park |
The Deep-Rooted Conflict
The persisting tension between Kerala and Tamil Nadu over the Mullaperiyar dam essentially revolves around its safety and water usage. Kerala’s apprehensions about the dam’s safety have intensified over the years, leading to multiple calls for reducing the dam’s water levels. This, however, is strongly opposed by Tamil Nadu, which relies heavily on the dam for meeting its water and power needs. The newly formed Supervisory Committee will now aim to resolve this longstanding issue in a fair manner, bringing an end to a dispute that has persisted for decades.