The Supreme Court on Thursday told Tamil Nadu and Kerala that “an effort has to be made to bring the water level [in the Mullaperiya dam] to 139 feet so that people downstream (of the dam) do not live in constant fear”. The authorities should notify a disaster management plan to the public in Kerala, “so that people ultimately do not suffer a catastrophe”. Kerala submitted that the water level in the Mullaperiyar dam may have reached 142 feet, the maximum permissible level allowed by the Supreme Court. With the flood and rain-related death toll in Kerala nearing 100, release of water by Tamil Nadu from the dam without adequate warning would be devastating for a population already facing an exodus due to the floods, the State said. Chief Justice told the States to keep their differences aside and act quickly. “This is a time for situational adjustments. Both States have to work out a solution in co-ordination with the Centre. First, you (Kerala and T.N.) should face the situation. What is being done to reduce the storage level in the dam?” the CJI asked.
