Scaling New Heights

Mullaperiyar Dam Issue – Let us Resolve it Forever

The Mullaperiyar Dam issue is dragging on between the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala for a long time now. Tamil Nadu wants to raise the water level in this century old dam while Kerala is all for a new dam. Tamil Nadu believes the dam that was constructed of lime and mortar in late 1880’s has enough strength to withstand a higher water level. But Kerala believes that this dam which was expected to last for 50 years at the time of construction and does not have enough strength to hold more water.

Here is a documentary about Mullaperiyar Dam issue made by C-DIT, a Kerala government organization. I agree this video gives the Kerala version of the story but could never find a video that gives the Tamil Nadu’s version of the issue. But this gives us a picture of the real issues involved in this controversy.

Now Supreme Court has come up with a five member committee consisting of former chief justice of India, A S Anand, and one representative each from Kerala and Tamil Nadu and two technical experts nominated by the Centre who are not connected with the dispute. I think this is a great move by the Supreme Court to solve the issue.

Sadly, the ruling DMK has come out with a statement that they are not going to accept the panel appointed by Supreme Court. If that happens, the proposed committee will lose its meaning. I believe both Kerala and Tamil Nadu government should forget all political differences and support this committee appointed by the Supreme Court. Tamil Nadu and Kerala government should make a pledge in public that whatever be the verdict of this expert committee, both states will accept it.

Labels: Current Affairs, Dam, India, Kerala, Mullaperiyar, Tamil Nadu