Central Water Commission submits report in Supreme Court about safety of Mullaperiyar Dam

Mullaperiyar dam ROW LAWINSIDER

Shivani Gadhavi

Published On: January 30, 2022 at 12:28 IST

The Central Water Commission on January 25, 2022 filed a status report before the Supreme Court of India regarding directions that are necessary pertaining to the safety of 126-year-old Mullaperiyar Dam.

Mr. Rakesh Kumar Gautam who is the Deputy Director of the Central Water Commission filed the said the status report in set of Writ Petitions and sought the directions for the safety of the dam, in the report.

The case is pertaining to a dispute between the State of Tamil Nadu and the State of Kerala. The two states have been involved in a dispute because the State of Kerala demands for constructions of a new reservoir because of structural problems with the Mullaperiyar dam.

The State of Kerala had earlier made a proposition that the water level of the 126-year-old dam should be reduced to 138 feet. However, The Tamil Nadu government wants the levels to be raised to 152 feet, claiming that the Mullaperiyar dam would be able to take on the additional pressure. The Supreme Court in this regard had fixed the water level at 142 feet in 2014.

In this regard, the Central Water Commission has filed a status report on behalf of the respondents in the case of Dr Joe Joseph and Ors v. State of Tamil Nadu and Ors.

The Deputy Director stated it in the status report that “In the Minutes of meeting of 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th & 14th meetings of Supervisory Committee, it has been recorded that overall, of the dam and its appurtenant structure, based upon visual inspection is found to be satisfactory.”

Mr. Rakesh Kumar Gautam, Deputy Director of Central Water Commission furthermore stated that “However, a fresh review of the safety of the Mullaperiyar Dam is now due and is required to be undertaken.”

Also read: Critical Analysis of Dam Safety Bill, 2021

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