Mullaperiyar Dam Water Level Stays Safe at 112.80 Feet, Below Danger Mark
The water level in the Mullaperiyar dam stood at 112.80 feet on Thursday, well within the maximum permissible limit of 142 feet, according to official data. The dam, located in Kerala's Idukki district but operated by Tamil Nadu, recorded an inflow of 265 cubic feet per second (cusecs) and a discharge of 256 cusecs.
The level in the Vaigai dam, which also serves Tamil Nadu's irrigation needs, was 34.19 feet against a maximum capacity of 71 feet, with an inflow of 146 cusecs and a discharge of 86 cusecs. The combined storage in the Periyar credit account stood at 1,859.32 million cubic feet (mcft).
The Mullaperiyar dam, built under a 999-year lease agreement in 1886 between the Maharaja of Travancore and the British, has been a source of tension between Kerala and Tamil Nadu over safety concerns. Kerala has argued that the dam is old and seismically vulnerable, while Tamil Nadu maintains it is safe. The current water level is monitored regularly by both states and the Central Water Commission.
At 112.80 feet, the level is more than 29 feet below the maximum permissible level, indicating no immediate threat. The dam's operation follows the directives of the Supreme Court, which has allowed Tamil Nadu to raise the water level to 142 feet after strengthening the dam. However, Kerala has opposed this, citing safety risks.
The data released by the Tamil Nadu Public Works Department provides a routine update on the water storage situation. No alerts have been issued, and the monsoon season progress will determine future water management actions.
