Kerala minister says SC directions on Mullaperiyar dam unimplemented, opposes water rise

The Story in Brief

Kerala Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph said key directions of the Supreme Court on Mullaperiyar dam safety have not been implemented and warned the state would move the court if Tamil Nadu raises the reservoir’s water level beyond 142 feet. Tamil Nadu’s budget announced plans to pursue raising the level of the 131-year-old Mullaperiyar reservoir in Idukki district. Joseph said Tamil Nadu had not carried out inspections mandated by the Supreme Court, and Kerala asked the National Dam Safety Authority to conduct a comprehensive safety inspection that was due before December 31 but has not happened. Directions to strengthen the Baby Dam also remain incomplete. He said the 142-foot limit reflected the Supreme Court’s position and cannot be altered unilaterally. The state discussed the budget announcement in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister V D Satheesan and held an emergency Water Resources Department meeting. Joseph repeated Kerala’s demand for a new dam. He added flood preparedness was adequate, remedial work at Thottappally Spillway improved discharge, and water levels were receding in Kottayam and Upper Kuttanad.

The Indian Opinion

Both the Tamil Nadu budget announcement and Kerala’s emphatic rejection of any rise beyond 142 feet risk sharpening tensions around a long-standing technical and legal issue. Kerala’s firm language and Tamil Nadu’s public demand could be seen as political signalling rather than technical resolution. The minister’s claims that court-mandated inspections and strengthening works remain incomplete are significant if correct, but the report gives no detail on why those tasks were not done or on any response from Tamil Nadu. An ordinary reader would expect independent, transparent safety audits and full compliance with Supreme Court directions before any policy shifts. Where facts are thin, relying on the court and the National Dam Safety Authority to adjudicate would reduce politicisation.

Original article: Kerala Minister says SC directions on Mullaperiyar dam unimplemented, objects water level hike (www.hindustantimes.com)

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