Mullaperiyar Dam, Disputes Between Tamil Nadu and Kerala

The Mullaperiyar Dam dispute is one of India’s longest-running inter-state water disputes, involving Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The 130-year-old dam, located in Kerala but operated by Tamil Nadu, has been a subject of legal, environmental, and political debates. While Tamil Nadu insists the dam is safe and necessary for irrigation, Kerala raises concerns about its structural stability. Given its national significance, the dispute is highly relevant for UPSC aspirants, particularly in the areas of polity, geography, environment, and disaster management.

Background of the Mullaperiyar Dam

• Location: Situated on the Periyar River in Idukki district, Kerala.
• Constructed: Built in 1895 by the British under a 999-year lease agreement between the Madras Presidency (now Tamil Nadu) and the Kingdom of Travancore (now Kerala).
• Purpose: The dam diverts water from the Periyar River to Tamil Nadu’s arid regions for irrigation and drinking water.
• Current Control: Tamil Nadu Public Works Department (PWD) operates the dam as per the lease agreement.

The Core Issues in the Dispute

Tamil Nadu’s Stand:

• The dam is structurally sound and vital for five districts in Tamil Nadu: Theni, Madurai, Dindigul, Sivaganga, and Ramanathapuram.
• Claims Kerala is delaying routine maintenance work, thereby compromising the dam’s safety.
• The Supreme Court verdicts (2006 & 2014) upheld Tamil Nadu’s rights over the dam, allowing water levels to be maintained at 142 feet.

Kerala’s Stand:

• Kerala argues the dam is too old and seismically vulnerable.
• Points to climate change and erratic rainfall patterns as new threats.
• Demands a new dam citing safety concerns for 3.5 million people living downstream.
• Insists that Tamil Nadu should reduce the water level to ensure safety.

Recent Developments (2025)

1. Supreme Court’s Intervention (February 2025):
   • Directed a new supervisory committee under the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) to resolve Tamil Nadu’s concerns about maintenance.
   • Ordered the committee to submit a report within four weeks.
   • Consolidated all pending cases for a three-judge bench hearing.
2. Dam Safety Act, 2021:
   • Kerala argues that despite this law, there has been no significant action from the Centre.
   • Tamil Nadu maintains that the act reinforces their operational rights.

Environmental and Legal Implications

• Disaster Risk: If the dam fails, it could cause massive flooding in Kerala, affecting the Periyar Tiger Reserve and nearby settlements.
• Water Rights & Federalism: The case highlights challenges in inter-state water sharing, a critical topic in Indian polity.
• Judicial Precedents: Multiple Supreme Court verdicts have upheld Tamil Nadu’s rights, yet Kerala continues to raise safety concerns.
• Climate Change: Increased rainfall variability and earthquakes add to the complexity of the dispute.

Way Forward

• Strengthening the Supervisory Committee: A permanent, independent body should oversee the dam’s safety.
• Scientific Safety Audit: A neutral technical panel must assess structural integrity.
• Constructing a New Dam: If needed, a mutually agreeable replacement should be built.
• Interstate Cooperation: Tamil Nadu and Kerala should work together under the Central Water Commission’s guidance.
• Sustainable Water Management: Focus on alternative water sources to reduce Tamil Nadu’s dependency on Mullaperiyar.

Conclusion

The Mullaperiyar Dam dispute is a classic example of inter-state water conflicts in India. It underscores the challenges of balancing development, water security, and environmental safety. As the matter remains sub judice, the role of the Supreme Court and policy interventions will be crucial in determining its resolution. For UPSC aspirants, understanding this issue provides insights into constitutional provisions, federal relations, water management, and disaster risk reduction.

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