News Summary:
- Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan assured that there is no immediate threat to the safety of the 125-year-old Mullaperiyar Dam.
- Despite concerns raised in the Lok Sabha by Congress MP Dean Kuriakose, the Kerala government maintains its stance on the dam’s current condition.
- While Kerala advocates for a new dam, Tamil Nadu insists that the existing structure is safe.
Is the Mullaperiyar Dam Really Safe?
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has sought to calm fears regarding the safety of the Mullaperiyar Dam, a structure that has stood for over 125 years in the Idukki district. Addressing reporters, CM Vijayan asserted that there is no immediate reason for concern about the dam’s integrity, a statement aimed at quelling public anxiety following recent discussions in the Lok Sabha. The discussions were sparked by Congress MP Dean Kuriakose, who dramatically referred to the dam as a “water bomb” and advocated for its decommissioning.
The debate over the Mullaperiyar Dam is not new. Kerala has long expressed concerns about the dam’s age and the potential risk it poses, especially during heavy rainfall seasons. The state has been pushing for the construction of a new dam nearby, a proposal that has been met with resistance from Tamil Nadu, which relies heavily on the water stored in the Mullaperiyar Dam. Tamil Nadu authorities have repeatedly assured that the dam is “absolutely safe,” pointing to regular inspections and maintenance efforts as evidence.
Why does the controversy over the Mullaperiyar Dam persist?
The controversy surrounding the Mullaperiyar Dam persists due to conflicting interests between the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Kerala’s concerns stem from the dam’s age and its location in a seismic zone, which could potentially lead to catastrophic consequences if the structure were to fail. On the other hand, Tamil Nadu, which manages the dam and utilizes its water for irrigation and drinking purposes, argues that the dam is structurally sound and regularly maintained.
The debate is further complicated by the varying water levels recorded at the dam. As of now, the water level stands at 131.40 feet, close to the maximum permissible level of 142 feet, with significant inflows and outflows being managed to prevent overflow. These figures are closely monitored, especially during the monsoon season, when heavy rains can rapidly increase water levels.
CM Vijayan’s reassurance comes at a time when many in Kerala are anxious about the potential risks posed by the dam. However, the state’s call for a new dam continues to be a point of contention, with no resolution in sight. The Chief Minister’s statement is likely an attempt to balance public concern with the realities of ongoing inter-state negotiations.
Conclusion: Is a new dam the only solution?
The ongoing discussions about the Mullaperiyar Dam highlight the need for a long-term solution that addresses both safety concerns and the water needs of Tamil Nadu. While Kerala’s proposal for a new dam is rooted in safety considerations, Tamil Nadu’s insistence on the current dam’s viability reflects the challenges of balancing safety with resource management.
As it stands, the Kerala government remains committed to ensuring the safety of its citizens while maintaining its stance on the dam’s future. Meanwhile, discussions and negotiations between the two states will likely continue, with the ultimate goal of reaching an agreement that satisfies both safety and water security concerns. Until then, the Mullaperiyar Dam will remain a symbol of the delicate balance between development, safety, and interstate cooperation.
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