What’s up?
Kerala passed a resolution this week requesting Centre to mediate with Tamil Nadu in building a new dam at Mullaperiyar. It also requested Presidential reference to the Supreme Court on the issue as, according to Kerala, the dam poses threat to the safety of about four million people living downstream.
Last month, the Supreme Court ordered increasing the water level in the Mullaperiyar dam from 136 ft to 142. The Court quashed the Kerala Irrigation and Water Conservation (Amendment) Act, which was passed in 2006 by the State against increasing the storage level.
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Kerala and Tamil Nadu have been at loggerheads for more than two decades over the Mullaperiyar Dam on the Periyar River.
It was built under 999-year-lease agreement in 1886 between the then Maharaja of Travancore (Kerala) and the British Raj. The dam is owned and operated by Tamil Nadu.While it is located in Thekkady district of Kerala, its water serves Tamil Nadu.
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Periyar water is used for irrigation and drinking purposes in Theni, Madurai, Sivaganga and Ramnad districts of Tamil Nadu. The Periyar power station in Tamil Nadu produces hydro-electric power.
Tamil Nadu has been demanding an increase in the water level of the dam to support its growing agricultural needs.
But Kerala has been opposing this citing safety concerns over the aging masonry structure.
What are the concerns raised by Kerala?
Kerala has been alleging leaks and cracks in the structure of the dam. It argues that in case of dam break, the three dams downstream, Idukki, Cheruthoni and Kolamavu, will not be able to withhold the pressure.
On the advice of Central Water Commission, an attachment of Ministry of Water Resources, Tamil Nadu carried out repair works, strengthened the dam and lowered the capacity from 152 feet to 136 feet in 1979. However, Kerala is unyielding.
What did Justice A.S. Anand Committee conclude?
In 2010, the Supreme Court appointed a committee under former Chief Justice of India A.S. Anand. In its report in 2012, the panel suggested that the dam was safe and Tamil Nadu can raise the water level after carrying out certain repairs.
How is Kerala reacting?
Kerala now says that the dam is too old and that it needs to be destroyed and rebuilt.
Why is Tamil Nadu objecting?
Tamil Nadu objects the idea of a new dam, because it would mean that the 999-year lease will become void. It will create water scarcity in its districts.