“Reported panic and bandhs are all creations of Kerala government”
Tamil Nadu on Friday refuted Kerala's allegation before the Empowered Committee, headed by the former Chief Justice of India, A.S. Anand, that the Mullaperiyar dam was not safe if the water level was maintained at 136 ft. and that it should be reduced to 120 ft.
In its response to Kerala's affidavit filed before the committee on Thursday, the State reiterated that the dam was safe and that it had been permitted by the Supreme Court to raise the water level up to 142 ft. and further raise it to 152 ft. after completing the remaining strengthening measures.
Tamil Nadu made it clear that the question of considering a new dam would arise only after the Supreme Court rendered its decision. It denied Kerala's assertion that 22 earthquakes/tremors occurred in the region between July 26 and November 26 and said according to the information obtained from the India Meteorological Department, there had been only four occurrences of earthquake in the Kottayam-Idukki region during this period.
“False propaganda”
Tamil Nadu said: “The false propaganda of 22 tremors in the last 4 months resulting in the dam being unsafe is being made without any basis. In fact, there have been only four tremors in the current year and in fact such tremors have been occurring over many years. But, none of them have had any impact on Mullaperiyar dam as their magnitudes were far below 4.9 and classified as ‘slight' by the IMD. However, the Mullaperiyar Dam is designed to withstand earthquakes that could possibly occur in the Zone III as per earthquake zonal map.”
On the outflow of water from the dam, Tamil Nadu said it was strange to contend that even for an outflow of 15,032 cusecs, there was panic among the people. The outflow had been much more than 15,000 cusecs on many occasions in the past and this was very negligible when compared to the design flood of 2.12. lakh cusecs (Probable Maximum Flood level) as per the Central Water Commission. Indeed, the actual flow of 15,032 cusecs was only a miniscule 7 per cent of the design flood of 2.12 lakh cusecs.
Tamil Nadu said: “The reported panic among the public and the bandhs and hartals, etc. are all creations of the Kerala government. There is no need for any panic as the dam has been strengthened sufficiently.” It sought rejection of Kerala's application.
In order to protect 30 lakhs of keralites from drowning in the flaash floods likely to occur due to a Dam Burst at mullaperiyar project,Kerala has a duty to build either one Big Dam or two to three smaller Dams down stream for flood moderation.So,why should kerala beg Tamilnadu for permission as if the project comes under an inter-state problem?Tamilians are thinking that the dam is safe and it doesz not need replacwement for morde than 800 years as per the agreement of 1970 between the states.
If Mullaperiyar dam breaks and if kerala builds New flood moderation dams intime,it is lakhs of Tamil farmers who fail to get Periyar water for agriculture and power generation resulting in conversion of their green paddy fields into barren lands.When the Dam breaks as per natural principles of aging and under -design from Hydrological and seismic angles,then the old agreement gets lapsed and all the periyar water will flosw into Idukki Dam.Kerala should build more smaller Dams to save keralites
The dam is safe.. This statment has been given by experts and not by layman. My point of view is as under It has to be noted that the dam was strengthed on two phases as suggested by experts team, then the water level supposed to raise to 142 feet but for which kerala is opposing Third and final Phase of Stregthening planned by TN government has been stopped. TN is opposing the new dam for two reasons. a) The existing dam itself safe (Even if some one says the dam is not safe think of IDUKKI dam which is 10 times dangerous than periyar) b) Kerala is proposing a new dam at an altitude lower than the present periyar dam, it means that no water will practically taken to TN (The canal height will be more than the dam height). Further, Periyar dam current capacity is only 10TMC where as Idukki dam capacity is 72 TMC, assume there is no periyar dam even then idukki dam will never fill because idukki never crossed 35TMC
Mullaperiyar together with all Rivers in India should be Nationalised.
Why Jayalalitha and Tamil politicians oppose Koodankulam project after investing crores of rupees.There the reason is the project will be harmful to the lives of people of tamilnadu.Then why you opposes our demand for constructing a new dam.It is the issue of life of our people.Do you people have a single instance of Keralas opposition to give you people water. Are your politicians more experts than the scientists in Roorkee IIT. Dont think that it is dark outside only because you have shut your eyes. Your politicians and the tamil media are misrepresenting the facts. what basis is there for your argument that a dam built 116years ago with primitive technology will withstand anything and everything.Even the british people who built the dam guaranteed only 50years life for the dam. Think clearly and study the matter. Then you people will realise the truth. Dont fall victims to the false propaganda of your leaders and your media
After all Mulla-periayar Dam is very old Dam which will collapse any day due to natural calamity or any other reasons, which was built 110 years back. The collapse of dam can not be prevented by any body and the Courts too. The Court cannot give guarantee to any body in the world and assurance cannot be given to protect the life of people and property, due to collapse of Mullaperiayar Dam. The foremost thing is to save the life of the people of Kerala and their property for which the Court should support. Increasing the height of the very old Dam is not sensible thing and not appropriate, as the said dam is very old and a new Dam is to be built to protect the interest of people of Kerala and adjoining places. Kerala Government can build new DAM in the vicinity of existing old dam and naturally there would not be any hinderance in the Law and no Court can prevent the same and it is the WISHES OF THE PEOPLE OF KERALA for their Saftey and protection of LIFE. Apply good sense.
When British ruled India, 1000s of treaties were signed between them and the kings of small countries. The Mullaperiyar lease agreement was signed between the British and the King of Travancore. Madras was under direct rule of British and Travancore was ruled by the King of Travancore at that point of time. When British left India, did they make TN a party to all the treaties signed by them ?.
Now President of India replaces the British and TN has no legal claim on the dam or the properties of Kerala state. It is a deal between the President of India and Kerala government. Chidambaram should learn Indian history before making funny comments to retain the support of the people of Sivaganga?. All these days, TN was enjoying the mercy of the people of Kerala. Because TN has no claim over the waters of rivers flowing entirely through Kerala state.
Respected all,
I have just a few things to say.
1. Treaty is nothing but to ensure Water to TN.
2. The real danger of KL is storage in Idukki reservoir.
3. Neither TN nor KL hold upperhand in view of Constitution.
4. Both sides whould stay away from acts of emotion and leave the matter to experts.
5. Don't create divide among people.
It is really a sorry state that things stooped this low.
How can one compare Mullaiperiyar dam with Kallanai built by Chola. Pls check the purpose - diversion of Kavery, height - 18 ft which is again filled with sand, sea level - same as sea level with no deep down streams. Even if it is broken what happens. Nothing . Only the canals have more water and water drains to sea. It is not posing any threat to anybody. So pls have logic.
when the water raised, people became anxious, at the same time all the politicians came and sat inside the tends of protesters. which may or may not be for their political advantage, but people of kerala are fully anxious and angry about tamilnadu and tamilnadu's stand on this issue. and more over people or kerala are geting attacked in tamilnadu. everything together u r actualy creating a hatred against urself. people are also unhappy about the contract which they feel is unfair to the state of kerala which only was in favour of tamilnadu.politicains like vaiko's speech really makes a kind of hatred and revenge in the hearts of youngsters in kerala. so what to say, nothing. ONLY ONE THING TO SAY DONT CREATE A KASHMIR IN SOUTH INDIA
How can the Chief Minister of TN refute the Kerala Government Statement regarding Dam's dilapidated condition? TN Chief Minister should be housed in Mullaperiyar area one day, then she can realize the real things. Instead of being narrow minded, think in a broad sense. We all are Indians and not Tamils and Kerala as you say. You must realize the fact that Kerala and Tamilians have been living with peace and harmony for centuries. Both states are inter dependent on many things. It is time for all who have eyes, ears and brains to wake up and do something for the welfare and safety of mankind. Politicians and government have been considered to be protectors of people and not destroyers. It is their responsibility to give protection to the life and property of people who have casted vote to them. India is a democratic country and we are all Indians. Government of the people, by the people and for the people. This negative attitude is not at all good for peace and harmony.
We have to value the human life and it is very essential that we build a new dam. As long as keral is ready to supply the water, the TN should understand the reality and should support for this dicision.
After all we have to respect the people who are leaving around that area and plz cooperate for the new dam.
Dear Lalitha,Dont compare nuclear concepts with Dam construction its totally different, if something happen in nuclear design u may face consiquences for our entire generation and it will effect to next generation ......hence only possibility is doing proper engineering analysis before raising the dam height to judge or get exact behavior of the dam to avoid human loss.........dont call tamil nadu guys and kerala guys first we should we are indians........Think before act.
Politicians are not structural engineers! This is a very major issue, which should be tackled in the most amicable and simple way. Frankly speaking I do not know what the reality is, ie, which state is telling the truth! Maybe, whomsoever is not speaking the truth is completely because of plain ignorance! I am a tamilian, who is not biased in his views. I had earlier called this issue a major one, as I understand there was an earlier dam break, which lead to a major catastrophe (death of nearly 25,000 people). At the same time, if there is no problem with the safety of the dam now, tn farmers are the ones who will suffer (eventually the common man as there will be an increase in commodity prices), if we stop supply of water to tn. The simple solution is to take advice of the structural engineers from anyone of the many reputed firms/ institutions and act accordingly. We need co-operation between the states to solve this issue and not impulsive abuses at each other !
Dam is in good condition only. Old structures stands good rather than the newer one. Without food from water, by demolishing the old dam, Kerala is going to build new dam for Power. I feel the top looser is Keralites rather than Kerala Govt. Because Rice/ Milk is going from Tamil Nadu where Tamilans just started to show they are having some unity (leaving the greatest politician. No fool will agree that Kerala is going to give water by new Dam. I feel things are moving in this direction, the way the state govt's are behaving particularly implementing the supreme court's order.
The dam built 1000 years before by karikalan is much more stronger than nowadays dams. So mullai periyar dam built in the same model as kallani, is strong and will last for ever
Dear All Tamil friends: Let me ask you something...... Tamilnadu people are now doing a long stir against Koodankulam nuclear power plant and want it to be shut down because they feel it is dangerous to the lives of people living in that area. Ok... When the same type of danger to life of people living in mullaperiyar dam area in Kerala came into picture they are telling dam is safe and no need of panic. Then why tamilnadu people are panicking for a brand new power plant which will not burst in the near future ? Why this two type of standards in the life of fellow human life? Is it that only tamil life is precious and kerala life is without any value? So if mullaperiyar dam is safe, then stop striking for koodankulam also. The tamilnadu govt and politicians should think of this. Also if, in any case, the dam bursts, the life of kerala people and also tamil people living in that area will be in danger, and also afterwards they won't get water at all. So, Think ...Think....Think.
Dear Tamil nadu and kerala friends i suggest to have a safety analysis in engineering manner not in political point of view, the Dam has been designed in the past with different analysis and design i hope everyone aware of the concepts has been changed when previous one. For an example the Tamil nadu was in Zone II but now recently changed to Zone III after few earthquakes since the zones will be changing evry year or incidents so its not constant one. The Dam was constructed in eighties so better to have stress analysis of the dam based on present condition whether it can able to take the water pressure due to raise of the Dam. I hope as per present conditions of the Dam some seepage is going on and may effected some earthquakes which is not measured by the government i mean the past effect properly has been evaluated to poceed. I hope at present technology it is very easy to judge the safety of the dam. So i request both the goverment and people dont make political issue.
New Dam, Old Agreement: will Kerala government be ready for that? Then talk to Tamilnadu, otherwise, you have to be content with Old Dam, Old Agreement.
As a central minister he should try to solve the issue. How they get water if the dam fails?. Think twice or thrice , if fails how they can ask for water for their agriculture?. Why people of Tamilnadu think otherwise. What i am suggest is to make a visit to dam without taking consideration of studies and convince the poor condition of the dam which is visible by common people(no experts needed). Please note the Panniyar incident, what is the result of a small crack in penstock pipe.
If dam is damage condition, it should be renovated immediately. No one go to court or any other body because every life is precious and save them but Kerala government says we will build new dam instead of present dam. Moreover, they say it would build their own cost. Why are they saying like that? If it is dangerous one it will be demolished and build new one by Tamil Nadu not Kerala because as per the agreement dam belongs to TN (Madras Presidency) property. At present both government find solution in peaceful manner and maintain relationship smoothly. Every one live with another one, nobody can live individually in the world.
The Guy who says Lakhs and Lakhs of Farmers will be affected by Mullaperiyar DAM has no sense at all. What happens if the DAM bursts? where he is going to bring water ? Who told him that building a new DAM means breaking the existing DAM first ? False propaganda by TN to its public is so dangerous as it is only increasing the violence. Jayalathitha and Karunanidhi is Conducting a Mullaperiyar competition at the cost of hapless Malayalees.
TN Govt. should also have spelt out as to why they object to a new dam when Kerala Govt is ready to guarantee water at the present level. Instead they simply put up frivolour arguments. If there is no danger to people of Kerala's four districts in case the Mullaperiyar dam bursts, does it also not mean that there is no danger to the people of TN's four districts. If that claim is accepted, it means that the TN's argument of Kerala denyiing it water from the new dam is indeed it's imaginary work and false propaganda; indeed that they are not dependant on water from this dam. They should also clarify as to why TN went back on its agreement to Construct a new Dam in the 70's. It is very clear from the utterences of leaders from both sides that there is more than what meets the eye. Hence as citizen one appeals to Central Govt. nationalize inter-state water resources, de-commission old and outlived dams and scrap all colonial times' agreements that are one sided or injust to any people.
From December 31, 1881 to September 18, 2011 there were 12 major earthquakes in India and none of have occurred in old Madras Presidency area. Most part of the country is classified as Zone III with regard to seismic activity. Furthermore as per the data published by India Meteorological Department there are only three recorded tremors in Idukki- Kottayam region during this year viz, two on 26th July(Magnitude 3.5 and 3.2) and one on 25th Nov with magnitude 3.2. For all these tremors the epicenter is 09.6°N/9.7°N and 76.6°E/76.9°E, which is very close to the coordinates of Idukki Arch Dam 9°51′01″N 76°58′01″E. Experts opine this as reservoir induces seismicity. The Coordinates of Mullaiperiyar dam is 9°31′43″N 77°8′39″E. From this it is very clear that the contention of Kerala about water level in Mullaiperiyar dam causing tremors and the assertion that 22 earthquakes/tremors occurred in the region between July 26 and November 26 is total a falsehood.
We agree that the Apex court order to maintain a 142 ft water level was bypassed by kerala state assembly through a amendment. But it was only due to safety concerns. Dear Tamil friends. I have few questions, don't need the answer for that, but just think about it. :). 1) For the past 116 years Kerala is giving water to TN from Mullaperiyar dam, even when the dispute started Kerala government has signed an agreement with TN on 2008 to share Neyyar dam water with them. If the govt. had an issue providing water to TN, do you think they would have signed such agreement? 2) For decades Kerala is providing water to TN from Mullaperiyar, Parambikulam reservoir and Neyyar. Remember all these rivers are flowing eastwards to the sea. Still we don't have any issue with providing water for you guys? 3) If you can study history please explain why TN requested the decomissioning of the Siruvani dam constructed by the British with the kerala government and a new one was built in 1973? Please think?
Nobody calls this dam as MULLAPERIYAR in Tamil Nadu. I wonder how can your newspaper report MULLAPERIYAR as Tamil Nadu's official reference in front of the Empowered committee? As per the historic documents available with the Tamil Nadu Government, it is mentioned as "PERIYAARU ANAI". Recently retired PWD Administrative Engineer Mr. Amalraj has clarified this to BBC as well. So, may I request The Hindu in the interest of accuracy of reporting and factual representation of history to stop referring to the dam as anything other than "PERIYAARU ANAI" going forward?
Kerala has no proper mechanism to measure the strength of an earthquake by using the Richter scale. Mullaperiyar dam has not witnessed ny earthquake for the past 116 years. Although the Indian Meteorological Department has reported only four minor tremors in the Kottayam -Idukki region, none has been reported in Mullaperiyar. The Seismic Map of India was produced by seismic experts after surveying the whole of India. They have not included Mullaperiyar in seismic region. This scientific point must be brought to the knowledge of the public and the Empowered Committee. It is on the basis of the false propaganda and the fear psychosis created by vested interests that even eminent men such as Judge Krishna Iyer speaks about the 'human aspect.' On the other side also the 'human aspect' of lakhs and lakhs of peasants and farmers who will face starvation death if they are deprived of Muallaperiyar water. So the best solution is to construct a strong dam on the exact site of the present dam.
Mullaperiyar dam is a typical maladi of our political process. What is essentially a engineering decision is now being decided by the politicians. How has this become an emotional issue? Get in international consultants to review the dam safety. The dam was constructed in 1887 and is a masonry dam - both age and material of construction is a concern. There is reported seepage and leaks through the dam and embankments. EQ standards in 1887 were rudimentary. The standards have undergone successive revisions based on experience gained in subsequent earthquakes. How can anyone - in a democracy- be so indifferent to human safety from a dam failure. Only 4 earthquakes above 4 Ricter in the past is no prediction of the magnitude in future. The previous earthquakes may have already weakend the structure. Remember the earthquake off Japan's coast this year
Do we need foreign observers to confirm whether this dam is safe or not? Shame on us Indians!!!!
The tamilnadu government has done really a very commendable job and contested in an excellent manner the facts and figures and the unwanted panic created by the Kerala government before the empowered committee headed by former chi of India mr. Anand. This committee should also advise tn and kl that until everything is finalized and all pro and anti dam protests by both public and the respective goats should be stopped and both the states should be prepared to accept the final verdict of the apex court and also the center in future handle the any su,ch situation totally in an unbiased manner. .
The mettle of Leadership is when they are able to see a problem beyond the way the parties to a dispute define it. It is possible to think of solutions by looking through a wider, broader, deeper, and a multi-dimensional lens. In the case of the Mullaperiyar dam, it is the safety that is questioned. If the dam were to be damaged and life and property in Kerala were lost, the usual paltry compensation is not necessarily acceptable for the people living in the potential damage zone but not getting the benefits of the dam. In such a case, as the enjoyer of the benefits of water from the dam, Tamil Nadu may pay the premiums for insurance. The people in the zone may be offered liberal insurance by a reputable insurance company with additional guaranties by TN and Central governments. Without such offer of insurance, the benefits of water go to one party and the risks are borne by another. Once a broader view point is taken, a number of other approaches to reach a solution can be envisaged.
How long is the dam safe? Eternally? A dam built with primitive technology and using lime and surki has definitely a limited life-span, whatever TN politicians may say before the Empowered Committee. At some point of time it is bound to collapse, endangering lives of millions. So no one can simply ignore the question of a new dam; now or later they have to face it; and better now than later. TN politicians cannot get away with by simply asserting that the dam is safe, they have to also say how long it is going it be safe. Hope they will not say it is eternally safe. No one can go on eternally postponing the question of a new dam. The empowered committee has to decide how long the dam is going to be safely there and what to do after that expiry date.
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