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Mullaperiyar Dam Safety Committee Composition Dispute

3 entries over 25 days, from 22 June 2026 to 16 July 2026.

01
22 June

Mullaperiyar dam safety committee composition

  • The Comprehensive Dam Safety Evaluation Committee was constituted to inspect the Mullaperiyar dam.
  • The Central government unilaterally removed the Kerala state representative from the committee.
  • The removed representative was replaced by an individual from Uttar Pradesh representing IIT-Roorkee.
  • The state government of Kerala expressed concern over the lack of consultation regarding the committee's composition.
  • The Mullaperiyar dam issue is currently under the consideration of the Supreme Court.
  • Effective management of the dam requires mutual consensus between the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
02
23 June

Kerala MPs protest Mullaperiyar dam panel changes

  • The Comprehensive Dam Safety Evaluation Committee (CDSEC) is a five-member body tasked with assessing the safety of the Mullaperiyar dam.
  • Concerns have been raised regarding the unilateral removal of a state-nominated representative from the CDSEC without consultation with the state government.
  • The Mullaperiyar dam is a 129-year-old masonry structure located in a seismically sensitive region.
  • Safety assessments of ageing dams are critical due to potential risks to downstream populations, estimated in this case to be approximately 35 lakh people.
  • The Dam Safety Review Panel has highlighted the growing threat posed by ageing and vulnerable dams across India, necessitating comprehensive safety evaluation and rehabilitation measures.
03
16 July

Mullaperiyar Dam water storage concerns

  • 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.

Questions from this story

Newest first. A story that ran for 25 days is exactly the kind the mains paper asks about as one question.

  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 · 16 July
  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 · 16 July
  3. Discuss the significance of inter-state cooperation and inclusive representation in the management of critical water infrastructure, particularly in the context of ageing dams in seismically sensitive zones. 150 words · 23 June
  4. The safety of ageing dams is a major concern for disaster management and environmental security in India. Examine the role of institutional frameworks like the Dam Safety Review Panel in addressing these risks and discuss the challenges in balancing state-level concerns with central oversight in dam safety governance. 250 words · 23 June
  5. The management of inter-state river water infrastructure often faces challenges related to federal cooperation and technical oversight. Discuss the role of institutional mechanisms in ensuring the safety and equitable management of such assets in the context of judicial oversight. 150 words · 22 June