Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala has renewed its demand for the construction of a new Mullaperiyar dam, with Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph saying the state will make efforts to hold discussions at the Chief Minister level with Tamil Nadu in an attempt to find a lasting solution to the long running dispute.
Speaking amid renewed debate over the safety of the ageing dam, Mons Joseph said Kerala's position remains unchanged. He stressed that the state is not against supplying water to Tamil Nadu but believes that replacing the existing structure with a new dam is the safest option for people living downstream. According to the minister, meaningful discussions between the leadership of both states could help reduce tensions and create a path toward a mutually acceptable solution.
The Mullaperiyar dam, built between 1887 and 1895 across the Periyar River in Kerala's Idukki district, is operated by Tamil Nadu under a long standing lease agreement. For decades, the dam has remained at the centre of a legal and political dispute between the two neighbouring states. Kerala has consistently argued that the more than 130 year old masonry dam poses a safety risk, especially during periods of heavy rainfall and seismic activity. Tamil Nadu, however, maintains that the dam is structurally safe after several strengthening measures and continues to play a vital role in providing irrigation and drinking water to several districts.
The latest remarks from Mons Joseph come at a time when the issue has once again gained national attention. The Tamil Nadu government recently announced in its state budget that it would pursue legal and administrative measures to increase the water storage level of the Mullaperiyar dam in line with earlier Supreme Court decisions. Kerala strongly opposed the announcement, saying public safety cannot be compromised and that increasing the water level without addressing concerns over the ageing structure is unacceptable.
Kerala leaders have repeatedly stated that constructing a new dam does not mean reducing or stopping the supply of water to Tamil Nadu. Instead, they say a modern replacement dam would ensure both public safety and uninterrupted water availability for Tamil Nadu. The state government has maintained that its proposal seeks to balance the interests of both states while protecting the lives of people living downstream in Kerala.
Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan has also reaffirmed that Kerala's stand remains unchanged. He has indicated that the government is willing to engage in discussions with Tamil Nadu but will continue to press for the construction of a new dam. The Chief Minister has said that dialogue remains the preferred approach even as legal and technical issues continue to be debated.
Tamil Nadu, however, continues to reject Kerala's proposal for a new dam. The state argues that extensive strengthening work has made the existing structure safe and points to expert assessments and Supreme Court rulings that have allowed higher water storage levels. Tamil Nadu also says the dam is essential for supporting agriculture, drinking water supply and livelihoods in several districts, making it an important part of the state's water management system.
The dispute has repeatedly reached the Supreme Court over the years, with both states presenting technical studies, expert opinions and legal arguments to support their respective positions. While the court has issued several rulings on water levels and the management of the dam, it has also encouraged cooperation between Kerala and Tamil Nadu to resolve differences.
The debate has become more prominent in recent weeks following heavy monsoon rains in parts of southern India, which have once again raised public concern about the safety of ageing dams. People living in downstream districts of Kerala have renewed calls for stronger safety measures, while leaders in Tamil Nadu continue to insist that the existing dam remains secure and reliable.
With Mons Joseph now proposing Chief Minister level discussions, Kerala hopes that direct political engagement can help move the issue forward. However, given the deeply held positions of both states and the long legal history surrounding the dam, any breakthrough is expected to require sustained dialogue, technical consultation and cooperation between both governments. For now, the Mullaperiyar dam remains one of the most sensitive and closely watched interstate issues in the country.