A five-member committee headed by Executive Engineer (EE) Saravana Prabhu from Central Water Commission, Kochi, visited the Mulla Periyar reservoir on Tuesday.
According to the officials, the EE was accompanied by two representatives each from Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
The members inspected the Mulla Periyar dam, Baby dam, the gallery area, the 13 shutters and reviewed the inflow and discharge patterns.
The last time the committee visited the dam was on February 26, when the water storage level was at 115 feet.
With the storage level at 112.70 feet now, the committee was of the opinion, after reviewing other parameters, that the dam was safe.
Representatives from Tamil Nadu pointed out the need for carrying out repair works on the Vallakadavu stretch, which was damaged in the heavy rains. Transporting materials was cumbersome in the present condition, it was said.
During the meeting, it was also informed that the Supreme Court appointed three-member panel may visit the dam site during May.
After the issue ran into controversy between Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the apex court ordered the storage level to be at 142 ft and also appointed a three- member panel, which would be assisted by a five-member committee with representations from both the States. Though, there have been objections now and then from the Kerala side over the storage level, the committee, during its inspections had expressed satisfaction and over ruled the apprehensions.
The water from the reservoir has been the primary source of supply for drinking and agricultural needs of five districts, including Madurai, Theni, Sivaganga, Dindigul and Ramanathapuram.
