Mullaperiyar dam
Idukki: Water resources minister Mons Joseph said that discussions on Mullaperiyar Dam involving representatives of Keralam and Tamil Nadu will take place on Sept 2 and 3. Keralam has consistently maintained that the water level should remain at 136 feet. However, a 2014 Supreme Court verdict permitted the level to be raised up to 142 feet. Following Keralam‘s objections, Supreme court in 2021 directed the implementation of a rule curve system. Under the system, 136 feet is treated as the base water level, with the level being reviewed and determined every 10 days. During the two monsoon seasons — from June to Sept and from Oct to Nov — the Supreme Court has permitted the water level to reach up to 142 feet in accordance with the curve.
The minister said confusion had arisen due to what he described as misleading interpretations of Supreme Court’s observations regarding the permissible water level. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kochi | Silver Rate in Kochi | Bank Holidays in Kochi | Public Holidays in Kochi Stay updated with the latest Kochi news.
The water resources department will decide its future course of action after evaluating the measures and decisions taken at the central level, the minister said. Joseph said govt had decided to take urgent corrective measures, alleging that earlier opportunities arising from the court’s directions had not been effectively utilised to secure Keralam’s interests. At the same time, the state is committed to supplying Tamil Nadu with the water it requires, while ensuring the safety of the people of Keralam and addressing the concerns surrounding the ageing dam, the minister said. He said attempts from various quarters to create confusion over the issue would not serve Keralam‘s interests.
Keralam will convene a high-level meeting in New Delhi by Sept-end after the safety evaluation and take further steps on the Mullaperiyar issue accordingly. Keralam continues to maintain that a new dam should be constructed at Mullaperiyar. Joseph reiterated that Keralam would not permit any change in the existing norms governing the reservoir’s water level. The level has reached this mark on two occasions. Download the TOI App.
In 2022, Supreme Court had issued an interim order directing that a comprehensive safety evaluation of Mullaperiyar Dam be carried out. The state govt has also decided to strengthen its legal efforts before Supreme Court to effectively present Keralam‘s concerns and protect the state‘s interests. A new team of lawyers, led by senior advocate Mohan Katarki, has been appointed to represent the state over the Mullaperiyar issue. The state govt intends to submit an affidavit before Supreme Court and make renewed efforts to secure acceptance of Keralam‘s essential demands, he added.
The comprehensive dam safety evaluation panel will conduct an onsite inspection of the dam. Ashutosh Dash will represent Kerala during the inspection and related proceedings. The discussions will take place on the heels of a comprehensive safety inspection of the dam on Tuesday.