Context
Tamil Nadu has told the Supreme Court that Kerala’s alleged non-cooperation has stalled strengthening works at the Mullaperiyar Dam. Tamil Nadu argues that these works are necessary to implement earlier Supreme Court directions permitting the reservoir level to be raised to 142 feet.
Explanation
- Mullaperiyar Dam is a masonry gravity dam constructed across the Periyar River in Kerala’s Idukki district and became operational in 1895.
- Under the 1886 Periyar Lake Lease Agreement, the dam and surrounding leased area were placed under the control of the then Madras Presidency; today, the dam is located in Kerala but operated by Tamil Nadu.
- Water is diverted eastward to Tamil Nadu, supporting irrigation and drinking-water requirements, making the dam an important inter-State river-water issue.
- Kerala has raised concerns regarding the structural safety of the ageing dam, while Tamil Nadu maintains that strengthening measures make its continued operation safe.
- In 2014, the Supreme Court allowed Tamil Nadu to raise the reservoir level from 136 feet to 142 feet after prescribed safety measures.
- Strengthening involves the baby dam, earthen dam and grouting of the main dam; Tamil Nadu seeks Kerala’s cooperation for these works.
- Article 262, the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956, and Entry 56 of the Union List deal with inter-State river disputes.
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