Mullaperiyar deadlock: Kerala says no to Tamil Nadu's plan to raise water level
Kerala has firmly rejected Tamil Nadu's budget announcement on Wednesday to pursue raising the water level in the Mullaperiyar dam. Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph said in Thiruvananthapuram that Kerala will never agree to any move to increase the level in the 131-year-old dam located in Idukki district.
Speaking after a high-level meeting chaired by him, Mr. Joseph said Kerala's stand remains unchanged: the primary requirement is a new dam in Mullaperiyar. He also held discussions with Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on the issue. "Kerala's stand is very clear on this issue. The primary requirement is a new dam in Mullaperiyar. The State has put forward a suggestion that guarantees the safety of the people of Kerala and water for Tamil Nadu," he said.
The Tamil Nadu government, while presenting its 2026-27 Budget, announced its intention to continue efforts to raise the water level in the dam. The Mullaperiyar dam, built in 1895, is operated by Tamil Nadu under a lease agreement. The dam has been a point of contention between the two states for decades, with Kerala citing safety concerns and demanding a new structure, while Tamil Nadu has sought to increase storage capacity to meet its irrigation and drinking water needs.
According to Mr. Joseph, the Supreme Court has so far accepted an approach where the water level is maintained at 142 feet. When Tamil Nadu pressed for raising the level, the court had recommended an examination of issues related to the dam's safety. However, the Minister said Tamil Nadu is yet to carry out the comprehensive dam safety evaluation, which has to be completed by December 31, 2026.
In a notable development, the United Democratic Front (UDF) government in Kerala has decided to explore the possibility of holding discussions with Tamil Nadu to arrive at a consensus. Mr. Joseph said the Kerala government, with the approval of the Supreme Court and the Union government, will explore all possible avenues for reaching an agreement with Tamil Nadu.
The Centre has also approved Kerala's nomination of Ashutosh Dash, former Chief Engineer of Odisha, to the Independent Panel of Experts (IPoE) on the Mullaperiyar dam, Mr. Joseph added. The IPoE is tasked with examining technical aspects relating to the dam's safety.
The dispute over Mullaperiyar has a long history. Kerala has consistently argued that the ageing dam poses a threat to the lives and property of people living downstream. Tamil Nadu maintains that the dam is structurally sound and that raising the water level is essential for the needs of its farmers and residents. The issue has been adjudicated by the Supreme Court, which has set conditions for any changes to the water level.
As both states remain at odds, the emphasis on dialogue and adherence to judicial and expert guidelines is expected to shape the next steps. The mandated safety evaluation and the deliberations of the expert panel are likely to play a crucial role in resolving the long-pending issue.
