CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
The Supreme Court of India has recently urged the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala to amicably resolve their prolonged dispute over the Mullaperiyar Dam. The apex court recommended the involvement of expert committees to address safety concerns and operational issues, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach to manage this critical inter-state water resource.
Overview Of Mullaperiyar Dam
The Mullaperiyar Dam is a historic masonry gravity dam located on the Periyar River in Thekkady, situated in Kerala’s Idukki district, at an elevation of 881 meters above sea level in the Western Ghats.
Location: At the confluence of the Mullayar and Periyar Rivers
Type: Masonry gravity dam
Altitude: 881 meters above sea level
District: Idukki, Kerala
Historical Background
The dam is one of the oldest in India. Its construction began in 1887 and was completed in 1895 under the direction of Colonel John Pennycuick, a British engineer from the Corps of Royal Engineers.
Construction Period: 1887–1895
Engineering Method: Built using limestone and Surkhi (a mixture of burnt brick powder, sugar, and calcium oxide), a traditional Indian construction material.
Structural And Hydrological Details
Height: 53.6 meters (176 feet)
Length: 365.7 meters (1,200 feet)
Storage Capacity: 443 million cubic meters (11.5 billion cubic feet)
Reservoir Area: 8.5 square kilometers
Purpose: Primarily used for irrigation and hydropower generation in Tamil Nadu
The dam creates an artificial reservoir, which significantly benefits agriculture in Tamil Nadu, especially in the Vaigai River Basin, where water is diverted through a tunnel.
Ecological Significance
The dam lies within the Periyar National Park, a highly biodiverse protected area that is home to several endangered flora and fauna species. The ecological sensitivity of this area further amplifies concerns over the dam’s integrity and operational policies.
Inter-State Dispute
Despite being physically located in Kerala, the Mullaperiyar Dam is operated and maintained by Tamil Nadu under a 999-year lease agreement originally signed in 1886 between the then Madras Presidency and the Kingdom of Travancore (now Kerala).
Core Issues
Kerala's Concerns - Kerala has raised serious safety concerns about the age and structural integrity of the dam. The state has repeatedly called for either strengthening the existing dam or constructing a new dam downstream to ensure the safety of people living in the downstream areas.
Tamil Nadu's Position - Tamil Nadu, which heavily depends on the dam for irrigation and drinking water supply, has opposed any move to decommission or alter the structure, arguing that the dam is safe following periodic inspections and reinforcements.
Supreme Court’s Role
The Supreme Court has been actively engaged in resolving the matter, including setting up supervisory committees to monitor the dam's functioning and safety. The Court has now encouraged the two states to work with technical experts and central authorities to reach a mutually agreeable and scientifically sound resolution.
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