The Supreme Court on Monday issued notice to the Centre, the governments of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on a public interest litigation (PIL) demanding the construction of a new dam to replace the 130-year-old Mullaperiyar dam, citing serious concerns over its safety and structural stability.
A bench of Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran was hearing a petition filed by the Save Kerala Brigade, which highlighted that more than 10 million people live downstream of the British-era dam.
“Some directions may be needed for strengthening the existing dam,” the Chief Justice observed, suggesting that an expert body should examine both the safety of the existing structure and the feasibility of building a new one.
The Mullaperiyar dam, built in 1895 across the Periyar River in Kerala’s Idukki district, is operated by the Tamil Nadu government under a long-standing lease agreement. The dam has been a recurring flashpoint between the two states: Kerala has repeatedly raised concerns over its age, structural stability, and seismic vulnerability, while Tamil Nadu has emphasised its crucial role in supplying irrigation and drinking water to several southern districts.
Senior advocate V Giri, appearing for the petitioner, argued that the ageing structure poses a grave risk to life and property in the region. He urged the Court to direct the immediate construction of a new dam to ensure public safety.
The PIL has arrayed the Union government, the Tamil Nadu and Kerala governments, and the NDMA as respondents. The Court will examine the matter further after receiving their responses.
