Moving forward on a long-standing dispute between Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday gave its nod to a proposal of the Union Water Resources Ministry for constituting a supervisory committee to monitor the safety of the Mullaperiyar dam and oversee the restoration of the water level up to the full reservoir level of 142 feet.
3-member committeeThe three-member committee will be headed by a representative from the Central Water Commission — most likely Chief Engineer (Dam Safety) — and will have a nominee each from Kerala and Tamil Nadu as members.
The decision is to give effect to the order of the Supreme Court to raise the water level from 136 feet to 142 feet. Raising the water level in the 117-year-old dam, which is located in Kerala and operated and maintained by Tamil Nadu, has been a contentious issue between the two States since 1979.
The matter was taken to the Supreme Court and a five-judge Constitution Bench appointed a three-member panel to monitor the safety of the dam and supervise the raising of the water level to 142 feet.
The Bench ordered that the supervisory committee shall inspect the dam periodically, especially before and during the monsoon, and keep a close watch on its safety.
The panel will be free to take appropriate steps and issue directions to the two States as may be required for the safety of the dam.
The decision of the Union Cabinet will be conveyed to the Supreme Court, official sources told The Hindu .
