Tamil Nadu must assure Kerala that all equipment is in place to monitor the safety of the dam
NS Supreme Court directive for the supervisory committee on Monday Mullaperiyar Dam The dispute over the dam over the issue of maximum water level has resumed. Located in Kerala, the water body is operated and maintained by Tamil Nadu to meet the water requirements of its five southern districts. The order was issued while hearing a petition which raised apprehensions regarding monitoring of water level of the reservoir, especially during the rainy season; Kerala is also receiving unusually heavy rains. During 18-25 October, the dam also received substantial inflow. Despite the court’s approval in 2014 to store water up to 142 feet, Tamil Nadu is taking care to extract as much water as possible so that the level does not reach the normally permissible level. A few days ago the Chief Minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan writes to his Tamil Nadu counterpart MK Stalin, referring to the heavy rainfall in the catchment area and stressing on the “urgent need for gradual release of water”. His letter should be seen as a note of caution more than anything else. During the debate in the Assembly on Monday, Dr. Mr Vijayan categorically stated that there was no danger to the dam and also commended the Tamil Nadu authorities, who, he noted, were “extremely sympathetic” to Kerala’s demands.
With the cordiality prevailing between the two states, Mr. Stalin and Mr. Vijayan would do well to send a strong message that there is no room for obsession and superstition on a technical and complex subject like the operation and maintenance of Mullaperiyar. As the issue of dam safety comes up time and again, it would be in the interest of all stakeholders that the remaining works of strengthening the dam, for which the approvals of the Kerala and Central Governments are required, be taken up at the earliest. Some sections in Kerala may argue that the completion of the works will strengthen Tamil Nadu’s case, in the context of its long-standing demand to raise the water level to the original 152 feet. But, what should be kept in mind is that the works are meant to strengthen the dam. It has been suggested that Kerala give its nod – a pre-requisite for Tamil Nadu to get the Centre’s nod – while asserting that it would not be prejudicial to its position on the issue. Tamil Nadu should also ensure that all equipment to monitor the safety and health of the dam is installed and working properly. Since there is sufficient scientific and technical equipment to effectively respond to any legitimate and genuine concern, each player should take a rational approach when deciding on the storage level and safety aspects of the dam.
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