New Delhi, Oct 13 (UNI) The Supreme Court today issued notice to the Central government and the State of Tamil Nadu on a petition seeking the decommissioning of the 130-year-old Mullaperiyar Dam in Kerala and the construction of a new dam at the same site.
A bench, comprising Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran, sought the response of the Centre and Tamil Nadu on the plea filed by Save Kerala Brigade, a Kerala-based organisation.
CJI Gavai observed, “Mullaperiyar is one of the oldest dams,” while Senior Advocate V. Giri, appearing for the petitioner, agreed and stressed that the dam’s age posed serious safety concerns.
“The lives of about 10 million people are at risk,” Giri submitted.
CJI Gavai suggested that directions could be issued to strengthen the dam or appoint an expert body to assess its safety.
However, Justice Chandran observed that since the issue involves two States, the petitioner must clearly point out the specific problems with the existing structure.
“You have to explain what exactly is the problem, because if another dam is built, what about Tamil Nadu’s water rights?” he remarked.
Giri maintained that only the Supreme Court could order the construction of a new dam. The bench then issued notice and sought responses from the Centre and the State of Tamil Nadu.
Built by the British in the late 19th century, the Mullaperiyar Dam has long been a point of contention between Kerala and Tamil Nadu. While Kerala insists the dam is unsafe due to its age and structural issues, Tamil Nadu maintains it is sound and continues to be the lifeline for five districts dependent on its waters.
In its 2014 judgment, the apex court had ruled in favour of Tamil Nadu, declaring the dam safe and permitting water levels up to 142 feet, while directing the constitution of a supervisory committee to oversee its management.
Following the 2018 Kerala floods, the Court had temporarily ordered the water level to be maintained at 139 feet as a safety measure. Kerala has since continued to press for decommissioning the dam, citing public safety concerns.
