SC’S LATEST DIRECTIVES ON MULLAPERIYAR DAM DISPUTE

GS2 GOVERNANCE: 

The Mullaperiyar Dam has remained a contentious issue between Tamil Nadu and Kerala. On February 19, 2025, the Supreme Court directed a supervisory committee to address Tamil Nadu’s concerns regarding the dam’s maintenance. This committee, constituted by the Centre, is led by the National Dam Safety Authority.

Mullaperiyar Dam: Background

• Built in 1895, the dam is situated on the Periyar River in Kerala.
• Tamil Nadu operates it under a lease agreement.
• Concerns over its safety intensified after the 2011 Sikkim earthquake.
• Kerala has raised alarms about its structural integrity, while Tamil Nadu insists it remains safe.

Recent Developments

• The Supreme Court instructed the supervisory committee to consult stakeholders within a week.
• A report is to be submitted within four weeks.
• Multiple petitions related to the dam have been consolidated for a unified resolution.

Tamil Nadu’s Concerns

• Tamil Nadu’s Water Resources Department alleges delays by Kerala in routine maintenance.
• Key repairs and material approvals have been stalled, affecting dam safety.

Kerala’s Stand

• Kerala cites climate change and erratic weather as risks to the dam.
• The state has long proposed decommissioning the structure and constructing a new one, a discussion ongoing since 1979.

Legal and Environmental Aspects

• The issue underscores challenges in cooperative federalism.
• Tamil Nadu’s plea for maintenance approvals highlights inter-state complexities.
• Environmental concerns, including forest clearance requirements, add to the legal hurdles.

Way Forward

The Supreme Court’s intervention seeks to resolve the dispute effectively. The supervisory committee’s findings will play a key role in shaping future actions. Continued dialogue between Tamil Nadu and Kerala will be crucial for ensuring the dam’s safety and operational stability.