News Summary:
- Political parties in Kerala are escalating protests demanding the decommissioning of the 128-year-old Mullaperiyar dam, despite a recent decline in water levels due to reduced rainfall.
- The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) announced a vehicle rally on August 15 to raise awareness, while the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) plans a one-day hunger strike on Independence Day.
- The LDF District Committee criticized the spread of rumors about the dam’s safety and emphasized the need for a legal and expert-driven approach to the issue.
Why Are Political Parties in Kerala Escalating Protests Over the Mullaperiyar Dam?
The future of the Mullaperiyar dam, a 128-year-old structure located in the Idukki district of Kerala, has become a flashpoint for political parties in the state. Despite a recent decline in water levels due to reduced rainfall in the catchment areas, parties are ramping up their protests, demanding the immediate decommissioning of the dam. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are at the forefront of these protests, each organizing events to draw public attention to the perceived threat posed by the aging dam.
The NCP has organized a vehicle rally from Mundakayam to Chappathu near Kumily on August 15, a significant move to highlight the issue on Independence Day. NCP state president N A Muhammad Kutty flagged off the rally, which will pass through several key locations before concluding in Chappathu. The rally is intended to pressure the government to take immediate action, with NCP representatives criticizing the state for its inaction, claiming that the dam poses a severe risk to those living downstream.
Simultaneously, the AAP’s Thodupuzha Constituency Committee is planning a one-day hunger strike on the same day. The strike, scheduled from 10 am to 4 pm, will feature speeches by AAP state president Vinod Mathew Wilson and other prominent leaders, who will call for the dam’s decommissioning and the construction of a new structure to ensure safety.
What Are the Different Perspectives on the Mullaperiyar Dam Issue?
While the NCP and AAP are vocal in their demands for immediate decommissioning, other political entities have taken a more cautious approach. The LDF District Committee, for example, has criticized what it sees as the spread of baseless rumors about the dam’s condition for political gain. In an official release, the LDF emphasized that the issue is currently under the consideration of the Supreme Court and should be addressed through legal channels and expert consultation.
The LDF also pointed out that the state government is reportedly making efforts to construct a new dam, a move that is seen as a long-term solution to the safety concerns surrounding the Mullaperiyar structure. The committee further criticized the lack of action from the state’s MPs in Parliament over the past five years, suggesting that more could be done at the legislative level to address the issue.
Current Situation and Government Response
As of Wednesday, the water level in the Mullaperiyar dam had decreased to 129.65 feet, well below the permissible limit of 142 feet. The catchment areas have seen minimal rainfall, with Periyar receiving only 6.4mm and Thekkady a mere 2mm. Despite the lower water levels, the call for decommissioning remains strong, driven by concerns over the dam’s age and the potential risk it poses to nearby communities.
The Kerala government, while acknowledging the concerns, has urged that the situation be handled through legal and expert-driven means rather than through protests and public panic. The ongoing Supreme Court deliberations and the government’s reported efforts to build a new dam are part of this broader strategy to address the complex issue.
Conclusion: A Complex Issue with Multiple Stakeholders
The future of the Mullaperiyar dam remains a contentious issue in Kerala, with political parties taking differing stances on how to proceed. While the NCP and AAP push for immediate action through protests and public demonstrations, the LDF and state government advocate for a more measured approach, emphasizing legal processes and expert consultation. As protests continue to build momentum, the situation underscores the challenges of balancing safety concerns, legal considerations, and public sentiment in managing critical infrastructure like the Mullaperiyar dam.
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