The Mullaperiyar Dam has been in the news frequently due to conflicts between the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu over safety issues. Recently, the Supreme Court called for a restructuring of the supervisory committee that oversees the dam’s safety. This article delves into the background of the dam, the ongoing dispute, the Supreme Court ruling, and the influence of the Dam Safety Act.
About the Mullaperiyar Dam
Located at the confluence of the Mullayar and Periyar rivers in the Idukki district of Kerala, the 126-year-old Mullaperiyar Dam stands at a height of 53.66 metres and spans 365.85 metres. Despite being situated in Kerala, the dam is owned, operated, and maintained by the state of Tamil Nadu for various purposes including irrigation, drinking water supply and hydro-power generation.
The Periyar River: A Lifeline for Kerala
The Periyar River is known as the ‘Lifeline of Kerala’ due to its vital role in supporting life in the region. As the longest river in the state stretching 244 km, it originates from the Sivagiri hills of the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu and flows through the Periyar National Park. Its primary tributaries include the Muthirapuzha, Mullayar, Cheruthoni, and Perinjankutti.
The Mullaperiyar Dam Dispute: A Brief History
Controversy arose in late 1979 when questions were asked about the structural stability of the dam. In response, the water level was lowered after a tripartite meeting. This move was to allow strengthening measures to be taken by Tamil Nadu. However, the issue was reignited with landslides occurring throughout Kerala in recent years. Though the dam site was unaffected, these incidents led to renewed campaigns against it. Kerala proposed decommissioning the existing dam and constructing a new one. This idea was met with resistance from Tamil Nadu which prefers to complete ongoing strengthening works.
Dam Safety Act: A Necessary Measure
Enacted in December 2021, the Dam Safety Act was designed to address safety concerns for major dams across the country. This act provides a system for surveillance, inspection, operation, and maintenance of specific dams to prevent disasters related to dam failure. It applies to dams that are over 15m tall and between 10m and 15m with certain provisions. The Act also outlines the creation of two national institutions: the National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS) and the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA). Additionally, the formation of State Dam Safety Organisations and State Committees on Dam Safety is also envisaged under this act.
Mullaperiyar Dam and the Dam Safety Act
The Dam Safety Act extends the NDSA’s jurisdiction to the Mullaperiyar Dam since it is located in one state but used by another. In addition to overseeing the dam’s safety and maintenance, the Supreme Court has suggested empowering its supervisory committee to take over these responsibilities.
Examining Past UPSC Questions on Dams and Rivers
There have been several questions in the UPSC Civil Services Examination about dams and rivers in the past. For instance, a 2010 question tested knowledge on the links between various dams and rivers while a 2009 question examined knowledge on east flowing and west flowing rivers in Kerala and Madhya Pradesh respectively.
This article has provided a comprehensive overview of the Mullaperiyar Dam issue, the Periyar River, the conflict between Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the Supreme Court’s ruling, and the role of the Dam Safety Act. These are all important topics for prospective civil service exam takers to study.