Tamil Nadu Challenges Kerala’s Call for Non-Partisan Panel in Mullaperiyar Dam Safety Review
The Tamil Nadu government has responded to Kerala’s request for an impartial safety review of the Mullaperiyar Dam by filing a counter affidavit before the Supreme Court. Tamil Nadu argues that it has the exclusive legal right to conduct the safety check and has until December 31, 2026, to do so. The counter affidavit urges the Supreme Court to dismiss Kerala’s request for the formation of a non-partisan panel for the safety review, emphasizing the state’s authority in the matter. Kerala had proposed a panel with national experts and representatives from both states, expressing concern over the stance of the Central Water Commission and Dam Supervisory Committee that assigned the safety review to Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu’s affidavit contends that Kerala has failed to adhere to recommendations for strengthening the dam, as mandated by Supreme Court rulings in 2006 and 2014, as well as those from the Supervisory Committee. The state also seeks court permission to complete maintenance work on the dam before the 2024 Monsoon season.
This legal development comes amid heightened concerns about the safety of the 127-year-old Mullaperiyar Dam, with Dr. Joe Joseph, a petitioner in the case, seeking an urgent safety inspection. The plea follows an opinion piece in the New York Times highlighting the dam’s aging infrastructure. According to the Dam Safety Act 2021, the dam owner, Tamil Nadu, has the authority to conduct safety inspections, with a deadline of 2026. The legal dispute underscores the complex interstate dynamics regarding the Mullaperiyar Dam and the need for a comprehensive safety assessment.
