Mullaperiyar Dam: Current Issues and Historical Significance
Overview
Mullaperiyar Dam, built in 1895 on the Periyar River in Kerala's Idukki district, is a gravity dam operated by Tamil Nadu under a 999-year lease agreement. This 53.6-meter-high structure irrigates five Tamil Nadu districts and generates electricity, but remains central to interstate disputes.
Historical Context
- Construction Era: British-engineered dam completed in 1895
- Lease Agreement: 1886 pact between Travancore Maharaja and British Raj
- Design Features: Lime-surkhi mortar construction with 153-meter length
- Water Sharing: Diverts water eastward to Tamil Nadu's arid regions
Safety Concerns Highlighted
| Risk Factor | Kerala's Stance | Tamil Nadu's Response |
|---|---|---|
| Structural Integrity | Demands new dam citing seismic risks | Insists on dam strength after 2018 strengthening |
| Water Level | Advocates 136 ft limit | Maintains 142 ft storage as per 2014 Supreme Court order |
| Earthquake Risk | Highlights dam's location in Zone III seismic area | Cites strengthened buttresses post-1979 earthquake |
Key Safety Developments
- 2011 Supreme Court Monitoring Committee formation
- 2018 strengthening works completed under court supervision
- Ongoing real-time monitoring systems installation
The Interstate Dispute Explained
Kerala and Tamil Nadu disagree on:
- Dam safety management protocols
- Water allocation during droughts
- Flood control mechanisms in monsoon
- Environmental impact on Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Legal Timeline
- 2006: Kerala passes Dam Safety Act (later struck down)
- 2014: SC allows TN to raise water level to 142 ft
- 2021: SC constitution bench continues hearings
Current Operational Status
- Live Storage: Maintained at 139.99 ft as of 2023 monsoon
- Discharge Protocols: Joint monitoring during heavy rains
- Technical Surveillance: 18 sensor-based systems track seepage and tremors
Environmental Considerations
- Located within Periyar Tiger Reserve
- Downstream impacts on Periyar River ecosystem
- Sedimentation concerns affecting reservoir capacity
Way Forward
- Implementation of National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) guidelines
- Proposed joint disaster management drills
- Ongoing technical studies on dam's seismic resilience
Last updated: August 2023 based on Supreme Court proceedings and Central Water Commission reports
