The Mullaperiyar Dam, nestled in the Western Ghats on the Periyar River, is at the heart of one of India’s longest-standing water disputes. This over-a-century-old dam represents more than just a feat of engineering; it has become a battleground of political and environmental concerns, pitting the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu against each other. The controversy revolves around safety, water rights, and the balance between human needs and environmental sustainability.

The Historical Backdrop

Constructed in 1895 during British rule, the Mullaperiyar Dam was built using surkhi, a mixture of sugar and lime, which was a common construction material then. It was designed to divert water from the west-flowing Periyar River in Kerala to Tamil Nadu’s drought-prone regions for irrigation and drinking water.

The dam is governed by a 999-year lease agreement signed in 1886 between the then Travancore kingdom and the British-ruled Madras Presidency for Periyar irrigation works. By another agreement in 1970, Tamil Nadu was permitted to generate power also. The Mullaperiyar Dam was constructed during 1887-1895. Its full reservoir level is 152 ft and it provides water through a tunnel to Vaigai basin in Tamil Nadu for irrigation benefits in 68558 ha area. However, the lease terms have been a contentious issue since India's independence, contributing to ongoing disputes between Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

The Core of the Dispute

Safety Concerns: Kerala argues that the Mullaperiyar Dam, being over 120 years old, poses significant safety risks. The state lies in a seismically active zone, and experts fear that an earthquake or structural failure could lead to catastrophic flooding in Kerala’s densely populated areas, including the Idukki reservoir downstream.

Water Management: Tamil Nadu, on the other hand, relies heavily on the dam's water for irrigating over 2.2 lakh hectares of farmland in five districts and supplying drinking water to its population. It maintains that the dam is safe, citing regular maintenance and structural reinforcements.

Legal Battles: Over the decades, both states have engaged in numerous legal battles. Kerala has sought to decommission the dam and construct a new one, whereas Tamil Nadu has resisted this move, arguing that it would disrupt water availability and livelihoods.

In 2006, the Supreme Court allowed Tamil Nadu to raise the water level of the dam to 142 feet from 136 feet, dismissing Kerala's concerns. However, Kerala responded by passing the Kerala Irrigation and Water Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2006, to prevent the water level from exceeding 136 feet, further intensifying the legal tussle.

Political Dimensions

The Mullaperiyar Dam controversy is not merely a technical or environmental issue—it is deeply political. Water is a highly emotive subject, and the dispute often becomes a rallying point for political parties in both states. Politicians have leveraged the issue to secure electoral gains, sometimes escalating tensions between the two states.

Furthermore, the controversy has exposed the challenges of inter-state water sharing in India. With no robust mechanisms to address such disputes, legal interventions often replace cooperative dialogue, delaying long-term solutions.

Environmental Concerns

Beyond safety and politics, the Mullaperiyar Dam controversy has significant environmental implications. The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a biodiversity hotspot. The dam and its management practices affect the region's ecosystems, impacting flora, fauna, and local climate patterns.

Moreover, the dam’s siltation and aging infrastructure raise questions about its long-term viability. Experts emphasize the need for sustainable water management practices that consider ecological balance and inter-generational equity.

Possible Solutions

Various solutions have been proposed to resolve the Mullaperiyar Dam controversy issue:

• Building a New Dam: Kerala has repeatedly proposed constructing a new dam to replace the Mullaperiyar Dam, ensuring safety and modern engineering standards. Tamil Nadu could continue to receive its rightful share of water under new agreements. However, this would require trust and collaboration between the states, which has been challenging to achieve.

• Strengthening the Existing Dam: Tamil Nadu has undertaken several measures to strengthen the existing dam, including the use of concrete reinforcements. Independent experts should periodically assess these measures to ensure safety.

• Mediation and Cooperation: Instead of prolonged legal battles, the states could engage in mediated negotiations facilitated by the central government or an independent body. A joint committee of experts and policymakers from both states could help design a mutually beneficial water-sharing framework.

• Sustainable Water Practices: Both states should explore ways to reduce dependence on the Mullaperiyar Dam by adopting modern irrigation techniques, rainwater harvesting, and efficient water distribution systems.

The Way Forward

The Mullaperiyar Dam controversy is emblematic of the complexities surrounding inter-state water disputes in India. It underscores the urgent need for policies that prioritize safety, sustainability, and equitable water sharing.

While Tamil Nadu’s concerns about water availability are valid, Kerala’s fears about the dam's safety cannot be dismissed. Both states must rise above political compulsions and work towards a solution that ensures the safety of people and ecosystems while addressing the water needs of Tamil Nadu.

Conclusion

The Mullaperiyar Dam controversy underscores the need for a balanced approach that prioritizes the safety of millions of people without compromising the water needs of Tamil Nadu. A collaborative effort involving both states, experts, and the central government is essential to find a long-term solution that addresses the concerns of all stakeholders.

It is imperative that the political rhetoric and regional tensions are set aside, and a scientific and technical approach is adopted to assess the safety of the dam and explore viable alternatives. The ultimate goal should be to ensure the safety of the people living downstream while also meeting the water requirements of Tamil Nadu.

The Mullaperiyar Dam controversy serves as a stark reminder of the complex challenges posed by aging infrastructure and inter-state water disputes. By learning from this case, India can develop effective strategies to manage water resources and ensure the safety of its citizens.