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16 July 2026

Mullaperiyar Dam water storage concerns

The Mullaperiyar Dam is a perennial issue in UPSC exams due to its significance in inter-state water disputes, federal relations, and disaster management concerns.

1 min read Day 3 of 3 2 questions 1 prelims

Notes

  • Mullaperiyar Dam water level recorded at 112.9 ft in July, a significant decrease from 131.4 ft during the same period last year.
  • The 18.5-ft deficit in water storage is negatively impacting agricultural activities in Tamil Nadu's bordering districts.
  • Approximately 1.5 lakh acres of farmland, including 14,700 hectares in Theni district, depend on the dam's water for irrigation.
  • Low water levels threaten tourism operations in the Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) and drinking water supply in Kumily and Chakkupallom panchayats.
  • Farmers in the region typically rely on the dam to support two paddy cultivation seasons.

Part of a longer story

This is day 3 of 3 in Mullaperiyar Dam Safety Committee Composition Dispute, which has been running since 22 June 2026. Reading it whole is usually worth more than reading today alone — the exam asks how something developed.

Questions

  1. The recurring water management challenges in inter-state river projects like the Mullaperiyar Dam highlight the need for robust institutional mechanisms. Discuss the role of inter-state water sharing agreements in ensuring sustainable agricultural development in drought-prone regions. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. Water security is a critical component of disaster management and regional stability. Analyze the socio-economic implications of fluctuating water levels in major dams on local agrarian economies and biodiversity hotspots. Suggest measures for integrated water resource management to mitigate these risks. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. The Mullaperiyar Dam, which is a subject of inter-state water sharing concerns, is primarily located in which state?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-07-16/mullaperiyar-dam-water-storage-concerns