The Supreme Court’s recent directive to the Supervisory Committee concerning the Mullaperiyar dam has reignited a long-standing dispute between Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Amidst heavy rainfall in Kerala, the apex court has demanded a definitive decision regarding the maximum water level the dam can withstand. Adding to this development, the Ministry of Jal Shakti has formed a three-member Supervisory Committee to resolve the issue.
Mullaperiyar Dam: The Center of Controversy
The Mullaperiyar dam has been the subject of a protracted dispute between Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Situated in Kerala, the dam poses a significant risk to the lives of those residing downstream. Conversely, Tamil Nadu, which operates the dam, relies on this water source to sustain five of its districts.
Recent Events Reignite Dispute
Recurring heavy rains have led to a substantial increase in the water flow in the Mullaperiyar dam. This surplus water can overflow into the downstream Idukki reservoir, raising the likelihood of floods. In 2018, the Supreme Court agreed that, as a precaution against flooding or other disasters, the dam’s water level should be kept two or three feet below the permitted 142 feet limit.
Dam Details
Located at the confluence of the Mullayar and Periyar rivers in Kerala’s Idukki district, the Mullaperiyar dam falls within the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Tamil Nadu maintains and operates the dam to cater to the irrigation and drinking water needs of five southern districts. This operational control derives from a 999-year lease agreement made during British rule. The water redirected from the dam is first used for power generation in the lower Periyar (by Tamil Nadu) and is then diverted to the Suruliyar, a tributary of the Vaigai river.
Periyar River: Kerala’s Lifeline
The Periyar River, Kerala’s longest river with a length of 244 km, is one of the state’s few perennial rivers. This river originates from the Sivagiri hills of the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu and flows through the Periyar National Park. The main tributaries of Periyar are Muthirapuzha, Mullayar, Cheruthoni, Perinjankutti.
The Idukki Dam
Situated in Kerala, the Idukki dam stands at a height of 168.91 m between Kuravanmala (839 m) and Kurathimala (925 m). It is one of the highest arch dams in Asia and the third tallest such dam. Constructed and owned by the Kerala State Electricity Board, the dam is built on the Periyar River, in the ravine between the Kuravan and Kurathi Hills in Kerala. It supports a 780 MW hydroelectric power station.
The impact of this long-standing dispute over the Mullaperiyar dam extends beyond the realms of politics and water management, affecting the lives of millions of people in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. As the situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how the authorities will navigate this complex issue.
Last Modified: February 13, 2024