The Mullaperiyar Dam, an iconic structure in Indian engineering history, stands as a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance. Situated on the Periyar River in Kerala’s Idukki district, this dam has been both admired and embroiled in controversy. This blog explores the history of the Mullaperiyar Dam, the agreement between Tamil Nadu and Kerala, and the ongoing debates surrounding its age and safety.
Historical Background
Constructed between 1887 and 1895 by the British Government under the supervision of British engineer John Pennycuick, the Mullaperiyar Dam was built with the primary aim of diverting the westward-flowing Periyar River eastwards. This diversion was intended to irrigate the arid regions of the Madras Presidency (modern-day Tamil Nadu). The dam is a masonry gravity structure, standing 53.6 meters (176 feet) tall and extending 365.85 meters (1,200 feet) in length.
The construction of the dam was a monumental task, especially considering the technological limitations of the time. Workers faced harsh conditions, and the materials used included limestone and surkhi (burnt brick powder), which were combined to create a robust binding agent. The dam’s reservoir, known as Periyar Lake, covers an area of 8,100 acres and has a total capacity of 443.23 million cubic meters (15.65 tmc ft).
The Agreement Between Tamil Nadu and Kerala
This is the first page of the original 1886 Lease Deed. The seal of the Registrar’s Office of the Travancore Palace is visible on the left margin.
The Periyar Lease Agreement, signed in 1886 between the Kingdom of Travancore (now part of Kerala) and the British Government, granted the Madras Presidency the right to divert water from the Periyar River. This agreement leased 8,100 acres of land for 999 years at a nominal rate of 5 British rupees per acre. The lease allowed Tamil Nadu to use the water for irrigation and power generation, while Kerala retained ownership of the land and the dam.
After India’s independence, the agreement remained a contentious issue. In 1970, under the leadership of C. Achutha Menon, Kerala renewed the lease agreement with Tamil Nadu, retaining most of its original provisions. This renewal has been a significant legal hurdle for Kerala, as it restricts the state’s ability to control the dam’s operations and water usage.
Age and Safety Concerns
Now over 125 years old, the Mullaperiyar Dam has been the subject of numerous safety concerns. The dam’s age and the materials used in its construction have raised questions about its structural integrity. In 1979, following reports of leaks and cracks, the Central Water Commission (CWC) conducted a safety inspection and recommended several measures to strengthen the dam, including grouting the foundation and raising the height of the dam’s parapet wall.
Despite these efforts, concerns about the dam’s safety persist. Kerala argues that the dam is vulnerable to seismic activity due to its location in a seismically active zone. The state has called for the construction of a new dam downstream to ensure the safety of the millions of people living in the region. Tamil Nadu, however, maintains that the dam is safe and that the measures taken have adequately addressed safety concerns.
Legal and Political Battles
The Mullaperiyar Dam has been at the center of a long-standing legal and political dispute between Tamil Nadu and Kerala. This dispute has led to numerous court cases, with both states presenting their arguments before the Supreme Court of India. In 2006, the Supreme Court allowed Tamil Nadu to raise the water level in the dam to 142 feet, a decision met with strong opposition from Kerala. Kerala argued that raising the water level would increase the risk of dam failure, endangering the lives of people living downstream.
In 2014, the Supreme Court reaffirmed its decision, allowing Tamil Nadu to raise the water level to 142 feet. The court also directed the formation of a supervisory committee to oversee the dam’s operations and ensure its safety. Despite these rulings, the dispute remains unresolved, with both states continuing to assert their respective positions.
Environmental and Social Impact
The Mullaperiyar Dam has significantly impacted the environment and local communities. The diversion of water from the Periyar River has transformed the arid regions of Tamil Nadu into fertile agricultural lands, supporting the livelihoods of thousands of farmers. However, this transformation has come at a cost to the environment and the people living in the dam’s vicinity.
The creation of Periyar Lake submerged vast tracts of forest land, leading to the displacement of wildlife and loss of biodiversity. The dam has also altered the natural flow of the river, affecting downstream ecosystems and the communities that rely on the river for their water needs. In recent years, there have been calls for a more sustainable approach to water management that balances the needs of agriculture, the environment, and local communities.
Conclusion
The Mullaperiyar Dam is both a symbol of engineering excellence and a source of ongoing contention between Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Its history reflects the vision and determination of those who built it, while its current status highlights the complex interplay of legal, political, and environmental factors. As the debate over the dam’s safety and future continues, it is crucial to find a solution that ensures the safety of the people living in the region while addressing the water needs of both states.
The story of the Mullaperiyar Dam is far from over. It serves as a reminder of the challenges and opportunities that come with managing shared natural resources and the importance of cooperation and dialogue in finding sustainable solutions.
Mullaperiyar Dam: A Historical Marvel and a Modern-Day Controversy
