Kerala MP Demands Reinstatement of State's Representative in Mullaperiyar Dam Panel

Congress MP Dean Kuriakose, representing the Idukki Lok Sabha constituency, has called for urgent action to reinstate Kerala's representative on the Comprehensive Dam Safety Evaluation Committee for the Mullaperiyar dam. Speaking at a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday, Mr. Kuriakose expressed concern over what he termed a 'unilateral decision' by the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) to remove Kerala's nominee, T.K. Sivarajan, especially ahead of a scheduled safety evaluation by an independent panel of experts.

Mr. Kuriakose stated that he has written to Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil, conveying the state's objections. He noted that the removal, combined with the Tamil Nadu government's policy address opposing Kerala's plans to build a new dam, has caused deep anxiety in Kerala. 'The first inspection was completed under NDSA chairman Anil Jain. The next step is a comprehensive safety evaluation by the independent panel. Removing the Kerala representative unilaterally before this critical inspection indicates discrimination against Kerala,' he said.

The Congress MP highlighted that with the dispute being between Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the removal leaves Kerala without a voice on the panel. He emphasised that the safety of the 130-year-old dam is paramount for Kerala, while reiterating that the state has never denied water to Tamil Nadu. Kerala Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph also addressed the issue on Sunday, stating that Kerala was not consulted before Mr. Sivarajan's removal and that the state would not accept the decision. The expert committee was constituted under the Dam Safety Act, 2021, following a Supreme Court directive for a comprehensive safety evaluation of the Mullaperiyar dam.