Context: The Supreme Court directed the Survey of India to assess whether the proposed mega car park project in Kerala, near the Mullaperiyar dam area, encroaches upon the land specified in the Periyar Lake Lease Agreement of October 1886.
More about the news:
- Time frame for examination: The court granted a three-month timeframe for the Survey of India to conclude the examination. This directive followed the mutual consent of both Tamil Nadu(TN) and Kerala for the survey conducted by the Survey of India.
- Challenge to NGT decision: The TN government had taken the matter to the Supreme Court, challenging the decision of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which had granted approval to Kerala for the implementation of a “mega car parking” project in the water spread area of the Mullaperiyar dam.
- The tribunal’s Chennai Bench had sanctioned the project in the vicinity of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, situated near the reservoir of the Mullaperiyar dam.
Survey of India:
- It is the country’s National Survey and Mapping Organization under the Department of Science & Technology.
Periyar Lake Lease Agreement of October 1886:
- A lease indenture for 999 years was made on 29-10-1886 between Maharaja of Travancore and Secretary of State for India for Periyar irrigation works.
- By another agreement in 1970, Tamil Nadu was permitted to generate power.
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What challenges have been raised by Tamil Nadu?
- Land leased to Tamil Nadu: The state contended that the project was situated in the region leased to Tamil Nadu.
- Environmental impact: The project, involving various additional construction activities, was anticipated to have adverse environmental effects on the catchment area, water spread area of the Mullaperiyar dam.
- It will impact the waters of the reservoir used for drinking and irrigation in five districts of Tamil Nadu.
About Mullaperiyar dam:
- Location: The Mullaperiyar dam is situated in the higher reaches of the Periyar River, which rises in Tamil Nadu and flows into Kerala and is located within the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
- Utility: The water from the reservoir is utilized for power generation in the lower Periyar by Tamil Nadu, then directed into the Suruliyar, a tributary of the Vaigai River, and irrigating approximately 2.08 lakh hectares in Theni and four other more distant districts.
Mullaperiyar Inter-State Water Dispute
- Water level: Tamil Nadu wants the water level to be raised to 142 ft in accordance with the 2014 Supreme Court decision, whereas Kerala insists on maintaining it at 139 ft due to damage to dams and environmental concerns and
- Fairness of agreement: Kerala also objects about the fairness of the lease agreement.
News Source: The Hindu
November 30, 2023