Why in News?
Tamil Nadu continues releasing water from the Mullaperiyar dam in Kerala, operated under a 999-year lease. With rising water levels, 13 spillway shutters were opened. The Idukki reservoir also saw increased storage, surpassing last year’s levels significantly.
Description:
- Location: In Kerala, built in the late 1800s on the Periyar River; leased to Tamil Nadu for 999 years in 1886.
- Purpose: Diverts water to Tamil Nadu for irrigation.
- Dispute:
- Kerala cites safety concerns (earthquake-prone).
- Tamil Nadu wants to raise the water level to 142 ft for better usage.
- SC Rulings:
- 2006 & 2014: Allowed TN to raise water level.
- Kerala’s law to block it was struck down as unconstitutional.
- Current Issue (2024): TN accuses Kerala of blocking maintenance work despite Dam Safety Act.
- Dam Safety Act, 2021: Establishes NDSA to regulate dam safety; NDSA oversees inter-state dams like Mullaperiyar.

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