Mullaperiyar Dam Controversy: History, Management, and Inter-State Dispute

The Mullaperiyar Dam is a masonry gravity dam located on the Periyar River in the Indian state of Kerala. The dam, which was completed in 1895, is situated in the southern part of the Western Ghats mountain range and is a crucial source of water and power for the surrounding regions.

The dam is owned and operated by the Government of Tamil Nadu and is located in the state of Tamil Nadu, but its waters are mainly used for irrigation and power generation in the neighboring state of Kerala. The dam has been the subject of a long-standing dispute between the two states over its safety and ownership, which has led to a number of legal and political controversies over the years.

Mullaperiyar Dam Location

The Mullaperiyar Dam is situated on the Periyar River in the Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The dam is located in Thekkady, which is a popular tourist destination in the southern part of the Western Ghats mountain range. The dam is situated at an altitude of about 881 meters above sea level and has a catchment area of around 1,206 square kilometers. The reservoir created by the dam, known as the Mullaperiyar Lake, has a capacity of 443 million cubic meters and provides water for irrigation, drinking, and power generation to the surrounding areas. The dam is a critical structure that serves as a lifeline for the people of both states, making its location a matter of significant importance.

Mullaperiyar Dam Water Level

The water level of the Mullaperiyar Dam reservoir is a crucial factor that affects the surrounding regions, particularly the districts of Idukki and Theni. The permissible water level of the dam, as set by the Supreme Court of India, is 142 feet. However, due to heavy rainfall and other factors, the water level of the dam often fluctuates. The authorities closely monitor the water level and take appropriate measures to manage the flow of water. In recent years, there have been concerns about the safety of the dam, particularly during periods of high water levels. As a result, there have been calls for the construction of a new dam to replace the existing one. Despite these concerns, the dam continues to play a vital role in providing water and power to the people of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Mullaperiyar Dam Break Affected Districts

In the event of a Mullaperiyar Dam break, several districts in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala could be severely affected. According to reports, the districts of Idukki, Kottayam, Alappuzha, and Ernakulam in Kerala, as well as the districts of Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, and Sivaganga in Tamil Nadu, would be directly impacted. The exact extent of the damage would depend on the volume of water released and the time it takes for the floodwaters to reach the downstream areas. The authorities have developed emergency action plans and evacuation strategies to minimize the potential loss of life and property in the event of a dam break. However, there are concerns that such a catastrophic event could have a long-term impact on the ecology and economy of the region.

Mullaperiyar Dam Issue

The Mullaperiyar Dam issue is a long-standing dispute between the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala over the ownership, safety, and management of the dam.

Kerala has raised concerns about the structural integrity of the dam, arguing that it is old and prone to failure, which could result in a massive flood in the downstream areas of the state. Tamil Nadu, on the other hand, maintains that the dam is safe and that there is no need for a new dam to be constructed.

The issue has led to several legal and political battles between the two states, with both sides presenting their arguments before the courts and the central government. In recent years, there have been attempts to resolve the issue through negotiations and talks, but a final resolution remains elusive. The Mullaperiyar Dam issue is a highly sensitive matter that has significant implications for the people and the economy of both states.

Mullaperiyar Dam Capacity

The Mullaperiyar Dam has a total capacity of 443 million cubic meters of water. The dam is located on the Periyar River, which originates in the Western Ghats and flows through the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The catchment area of the dam is approximately 1,206 square kilometers, and it serves as a major source of water for irrigation, drinking, and power generation in the surrounding regions.

The Mullaperiyar Dam is a gravity dam, which means that it relies on its weight and the force of gravity to resist the pressure of the water in the reservoir. The dam is made of concrete and masonry and has a height of 53.6 meters and a length of 365.7 meters. The reservoir created by the dam, known as Mullaperiyar Lake, has a surface area of around 8.97 square kilometers.

The capacity of the Mullaperiyar Dam is a critical factor in ensuring the water security and power supply of the region. The authorities responsible for the dam closely monitor the water levels and take appropriate measures to ensure the safety and stability of the structure.

However, concerns have been raised about the safety of the dam, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall or earthquakes, which could potentially lead to a breach of the dam and a catastrophic flood in the downstream areas.

Mullaperiyar Dam UPSC

The Mullaperiyar Dam issue has been a significant topic of discussion in the civil services examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in India. The UPSC is responsible for selecting candidates for various administrative positions in the Indian government, and the exam is highly competitive, with thousands of candidates appearing for it each year.

The Mullaperiyar Dam issue is relevant to the exam as it involves several key aspects of governance, including federalism, inter-state relations, and the role of the judiciary in resolving disputes. Candidates appearing for the exam are expected to have a thorough understanding of the issue, including the historical background, legal and political dimensions, and the impact on the people and the economy of the region.

Moreover, the Mullaperiyar Dam issue is also relevant to several other topics covered in the exam, including disaster management, water resource management, and infrastructure development. Candidates are expected to analyze the issue from various perspectives and present well-reasoned arguments for their viewpoints.

Therefore, a good understanding of the Mullaperiyar Dam issue is essential for candidates appearing for the UPSC exam, and it is advisable to keep abreast of the latest developments and debates surrounding the issue.

(FAQs) about the Mullaperiyar Dam

Q. What is the Mullaperiyar Dam?
Ans. The Mullaperiyar Dam is a gravity dam built on the Periyar River, located in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala in India. The dam is a major source of water for irrigation, drinking, and power generation in the surrounding regions.

Q. Why is there a controversy surrounding the Mullaperiyar Dam?
Ans. There is a controversy surrounding the Mullaperiyar Dam due to concerns about its safety and structural integrity. The dam is old and has been in use for more than a century, leading to fears that it could potentially collapse, causing catastrophic flooding in the downstream areas.

Q. Which states are involved in the Mullaperiyar Dam dispute?
Ans. The Mullaperiyar Dam dispute involves the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Tamil Nadu owns and operates the dam, while Kerala has raised concerns about its safety and management.

Q. What steps have been taken to address the Mullaperiyar Dam issue?
Ans. Several legal and political measures have been taken to address the Mullaperiyar Dam issue, including court cases, negotiations, and talks between the two states. However, a final resolution remains elusive.

Q. Is the Mullaperiyar Dam still in use?
Ans. Yes, the Mullaperiyar Dam is still in use and continues to provide water and power to the surrounding regions. However, there are ongoing debates and discussions about its safety and the need for a new dam to be constructed.

Sharing is caring!