Kochi: The long standing debate over the Mullaperiyar dam once again came into focus as the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Water Resources visited Kerala to review water management issues and inspect the historic dam. During the visit, committee chairman Rajiv Pratap Rudy said that the concerns of both Kerala and Tamil Nadu deserve equal attention, stressing that the safety of people and the availability of water are both matters of national importance.
Speaking to reporters after the inspection, Rudy said Tamil Nadu depends on the Mullaperiyar reservoir for drinking water and irrigation, while Kerala's concern is the safety of millions of people living downstream of the ageing dam. He said both issues are genuine and must be addressed with care and responsibility. According to him, the committee's role is to study the situation from all angles and submit recommendations after completing its review.
Rudy also made it clear that he would not comment on the legal aspects of the Mullaperiyar dispute because the matter is currently before the Supreme Court. He said it would not be appropriate for the parliamentary committee to express an opinion on an issue that is under judicial consideration. Instead, the committee will focus on understanding the broader challenges related to water resources, dam management and public safety.
The Mullaperiyar dam, built more than a century ago, is located in Kerala's Idukki district but is operated by Tamil Nadu under a long term agreement signed during the British period. Water from the reservoir is diverted to Tamil Nadu, where it supports agriculture and provides drinking water to several districts. Because of this arrangement, the dam has remained a sensitive issue between the two neighbouring states for decades.
Kerala has repeatedly expressed concern over the structural safety of the ageing masonry dam, especially during periods of heavy rainfall. The state has argued that a new dam should be constructed to ensure the safety of people living downstream while continuing to supply water to Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu, however, maintains that the dam has undergone strengthening work over the years and is safe for operation. The state has consistently opposed the construction of a new dam, saying it could affect its existing water rights.
The dispute has led to several legal battles over the years. The Supreme Court has issued multiple rulings regarding the management of the dam, including allowing the water level to be raised to 142 feet under the supervision of a committee headed by the Central Water Commission. The apex court continues to hear matters related to the dam's operation, maintenance and safety, making it one of the country's most closely watched interstate water disputes.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee's visit is part of a wider effort to assess water resource management and understand the challenges faced by different states. Officials accompanying the committee examined various aspects of the dam and discussed issues related to water storage, safety measures and the needs of local communities.
Experts have long said that the Mullaperiyar issue is not simply a dispute over water sharing. It also involves public safety, infrastructure management, disaster preparedness and the need for cooperation between states. With climate change bringing more frequent extreme weather events, concerns over the safety of ageing dams have gained greater attention across the country.
Rudy's remarks reflected this balanced approach. He said the committee recognises the importance of ensuring sufficient water for Tamil Nadu while also protecting the lives and property of people in Kerala. He noted that any lasting solution should take into account scientific studies, technical assessments and the interests of both states.
No major policy announcement was made during the committee's visit, and officials indicated that further discussions and consultations would continue before any recommendations are submitted. As the Supreme Court continues to examine the matter, the future of the Mullaperiyar dam remains one of India's most significant interstate water challenges, requiring cooperation, technical expertise and careful decision making to protect both people and essential water resources.