Thiruvananthapuram: A fresh dispute has emerged between Kerala and Tamil Nadu over the long standing Mullaperiyar dam issue after Tamil Nadu announced plans to use artificial intelligence and advanced scientific technology to improve the reservoir's water storage capacity. The proposal has drawn strong objections from Kerala, which says any attempt to increase the amount of water stored in the ageing dam raises serious safety concerns for millions of people living downstream.
Tamil Nadu has said it intends to use artificial intelligence based studies and modern surveying techniques to identify and remove natural flood barriers, silt deposits and other obstructions inside the Mullaperiyar reservoir. According to the state, the project is aimed at improving the reservoir's storage efficiency and ensuring better water availability for irrigation, drinking water and other purposes in several southern districts.
Officials in Tamil Nadu say the use of AI will help create detailed maps of the reservoir, identify areas where sediment has accumulated over the years and suggest scientific methods to improve water flow. The state believes that making better use of the existing storage capacity will help address growing water demand without compromising safety.
However, Kerala has strongly opposed the announcement and has reiterated its long held position that the safety of the dam must remain the highest priority. The Kerala government argues that any move intended to increase the reservoir's storage should not proceed until all concerns about the structural safety of the more than 130 year old dam are fully addressed.
The Mullaperiyar dam, located in Kerala's Idukki district, is operated by Tamil Nadu under a lease agreement that dates back to the colonial period. The water stored in the reservoir is diverted to Tamil Nadu, where it supports agriculture, drinking water supply and power generation in several districts including Madurai, Theni, Dindigul, Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram.
The dispute over the dam has continued for decades. Kerala has consistently maintained that the ageing structure is located in a region that is vulnerable to earthquakes and heavy rainfall. The state says a major structural failure could threaten the lives of people living downstream in districts such as Idukki, Ernakulam, Kottayam and Alappuzha. Kerala has repeatedly called for the construction of a new dam while assuring Tamil Nadu that water supply would continue without interruption.
Tamil Nadu, on the other hand, maintains that extensive strengthening work carried out over several decades has made the dam safe. It also points to earlier Supreme Court rulings that allowed the water level in the reservoir to be increased to 142 feet after technical studies found the strengthened structure capable of handling that level safely. The state has continued to seek permission to eventually restore the original storage level of 152 feet after completing additional strengthening measures.
The Supreme Court has played a key role in the dispute over the years. In 2014, it struck down Kerala's law restricting the reservoir level and allowed Tamil Nadu to raise the water level to 142 feet. The court also established a permanent Supervisory Committee to monitor the safety and maintenance of the dam. Any significant changes related to the operation of the reservoir continue to remain under close legal and technical oversight.
Experts say artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly important tool in water resource management around the world. AI can help analyse satellite images, monitor sediment build up, improve flood forecasting and support reservoir operations by processing large amounts of data quickly. However, engineers also point out that AI cannot replace detailed structural inspections or determine the long term strength of an ageing dam on its own. Such decisions still depend on engineering studies, geological assessments and regular safety monitoring.
The renewed disagreement comes at a time when concerns over climate change and extreme weather have increased across southern India. Scientists have warned that ageing dams need continuous evaluation as changing rainfall patterns and more frequent extreme weather events place additional pressure on existing infrastructure.
For now, Kerala remains firm in its opposition to any effort that could lead to a higher storage level at the Mullaperiyar reservoir, while Tamil Nadu insists that the proposed AI based initiative is intended to improve water management through scientific methods. With both states holding firmly to their positions, the Mullaperiyar issue is expected to remain under the scrutiny of the Supreme Court, the Supervisory Committee and the central government in the months ahead.