Congress MP Dean Kuriakose has written to the Ministry of Jal Shakti, urging immediate intervention in the escalating Mullaperiyar Dam dispute between Kerala and Tamil Nadu. In a letter to Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil, the Idukki MP expressed concern over what he described as Tamil Nadu's aggressive stance on the dam issue, particularly its opposition to Kerala's proposal to construct a new dam and its demand to raise water levels to 152 feet.
Tamil Nadu's Policy Address Stirs Tensions
The Tamil Nadu government, in its recent policy address on Thursday, declared that it would take firm measures to prevent Kerala from building a new dam. The state also said it would pursue concerted action to carry out repair works in the Mullaperiyar dam area and raise its water level. Kuriakose condemned this position, stating that Kerala's stand has always been to ensure safety for itself while providing water to Tamil Nadu. “However, the new government in Tamil Nadu, in its recent policy address, has clearly stated that it will not allow Kerala to build a new dam, and will raise its water level. Such a stand is condemnable,” he said.
Historical Context of the Dam
The Mullaperiyar Dam, built in 1895, has been a source of interstate friction for decades. Tamil Nadu maintains that the dam is absolutely safe, while Kerala has persistently demanded a new dam to be constructed near the existing structure, citing safety concerns. The dam is located in Kerala's Idukki district but is operated and maintained by Tamil Nadu under a lease agreement.
Kerala Protests Removal from Safety Committee
In a related development, Kerala has strongly protested the Centre's decision to remove the state's representative from the five-member Comprehensive Dam Safety Evaluation Committee (CDSEC), which was constituted to inspect the Mullaperiyar dam. Kerala Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph told reporters that the state was not consulted before T K Sivarajan was removed from the panel. “The Centre should have informed Kerala before taking such a step. Instead, the decision was taken unilaterally and the State was merely informed through a letter. The Kerala government does not approve of this action and has conveyed its objection to the Centre. The order should be withdrawn and Kerala's representative should be reinstated in the committee,” he said.
Impact and Next Steps
The dispute underscores the ongoing tensions between the two southern states over water sharing and dam safety. With the Congress MP's appeal to the Centre, the ball is now in the Ministry of Jal Shakti's court to mediate and find a resolution. The issue also highlights the broader challenges of interstate river management in India, where historical agreements often clash with contemporary safety and water needs.
