Safety Concerns Mount Over Mullaperiyar Dam

The Supreme Court will examine a PIL seeking a new dam to replace the 130-year-old Mullaperiyar dam due to safety and stability concerns. The dam's age and seismic vulnerability pose a threat to over 10 million residents in Kerala, despite its crucial role for Tamil Nadu's water supply.

The Supreme Court issued a notice to the Centre and the Tamil Nadu and Kerala governments, as well as the National Disaster Management Authority, on a PIL advocating the construction of a new dam to replace the 130-year-old Mullaperiyar dam. The plea cites concerns over the dam's safety and structural stability.

Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran, hearing the petition by the Save Kerala Brigade, noted that more than 10 million people live near the British-era dam. The court suggested the need for potentially reinforcing the dam or having an expert body review its safety and the feasibility of a new structure.

Built in 1895 across the Periyar River in Kerala's Idukki district, the Mullaperiyar dam is managed by Tamil Nadu under a lease agreement. The dam has faced scrutiny over its age and seismic vulnerability, raising safety concerns in Kerala. However, Tamil Nadu values it for its irrigation and water supply benefits. The PIL has named the Centre, Tamil Nadu and Kerala governments, and the National Disaster Management Authority as parties.

(With inputs from agencies.)