The Supreme Court has scheduled a detailed hearing in January 2025 regarding a petition to reduce the permissible water level of the Mullaperiyar Dam from 142 ft to 120 ft.

Concerns Cited by the Petitioner

• Aging Infrastructure: Commissioned in 1895 with an intended lifespan of 50 years, the dam is now 129 years old, more than double its original design lifespan, raising significant safety concerns.
• Fear of Catastrophic Collapse Among Kerala’s Population: Widespread apprehension exists in Kerala about the potential collapse of the dam, which could threaten the lives and properties of five million people.
• Risk of Cascading Failures of Other Dams: A breach of the Mullaperiyar Dam could trigger failures of downstream structures like the Idukki arch dam, causing devastating impacts in Idukki, Ernakulam, Alleppey, and Kottayam districts.
• Wayanad Landslides: The July 2024 landslides in Wayanad, which claimed 220 lives, underscore the vulnerability of the region and the pressing need to address potential disaster risks associated with the dam.

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About Mullaperiyar Dam

• Location: Mullaperiyar Dam is situated in the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, near Kumily, in Idukki district.
• Construction: Built in 1895 using limestone and surkhi, the dam diverts water from the Periyar River (Kerala) to Tamil Nadu’s Vaigai basin for irrigation and drinking water needs.

• The dam plays a crucial role in supplying water to southern Tamil Nadu for agricultural and drinking purposes.
• It has been a longstanding point of contention between Kerala and Tamil Nadu, particularly concerning its safety and operational control.
• Controversy: Tamil Nadu asserts the dam’s safety and its importance for water supply.
  • Kerala highlights the risks posed by potential breaches, especially considering recent climate-induced calamities like landslides.
  • It lies in a seismically active zone, further raising concerns about its safety, especially during heavy rains.
• Mullaperiyar Inter-State Water Dispute: Tamil Nadu wants the water level 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. Kerala also objects about the fairness of the lease agreement.