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 state of  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 History

• The dam was built to divert the west flowing periyar river towards east, to the dry and arid regions of Tamil Nadu state.
• Dam was built in 1800s in Travancore and given to British-ruled Madras Presidency on a 999-year lease in 1886
• From here the Mullaperiyar Dam Controversy began.
• After the independence Kerela said that this agreement was invalid.
• In 1970 Tamil Nadu was given rights to the land and the water from the dam as well as the authority to develop hydro-power projects at the site.
• Kerala is entitled to receive rent.
• Kerela has raised concerns over safety of the dam and demanded for construction of new dam.
• In 2006 Supreme Court allowed Tamil Nadu to raise the water level to 142 Ft.
• A three member supervisory committee was set up by the Supreme Court, keeping Kerela’s concern in mind, the 3 member committee  –

1. oversee the process of raising the water level,
2. inspect the dam routinely, and
3. look into the safety concerns.

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, with a total capacity of 443 million cubic meters, is situated on the Periyar River, which originates in the Western Ghats and flows through the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The dam’s catchment area covers approximately 1,206 square kilometers and provides vital water resources for irrigation, drinking, and power generation in the region.

As a gravity dam, the Mullaperiyar Dam relies on its weight and the force of gravity to withstand the water pressure in the reservoir. Constructed from concrete and masonry, the dam stands 53.6 meters tall and stretches 365.7 meters in length. The resulting reservoir, known as Mullaperiyar Lake, covers a surface area of around 8.97 square kilometers.

The dam’s capacity is crucial for maintaining water security and power supply in the area. Authorities continuously monitor the water levels and implement measures to ensure the dam’s safety and stability.

Despite these precautions, concerns about the dam’s safety persist, particularly during heavy rainfall or seismic activity. Such events could potentially compromise the dam’s integrity, leading to 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.

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