Kerala government to petition Supreme Court over Mullaperiyar dam safety

The Kerala government plans to file a special petition with the Supreme Court to demand the immediate implementation of a 2024 judgment regarding the Mullaperiyar dam. This judgment permits a comprehensive and independent safety evaluation of the century-old masonry structure.

State Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph stated that a modern, scientific safety inspection under judicial oversight is necessary due to the dam's age and frequent extreme weather in the Western Ghats. The move aims to protect downstream populations in the Idukki district.

Additionally, Kerala will request mediation from the central government to resolve the long-standing interstate dispute with Tamil Nadu concerning reservoir operations and maintenance. The state has appointed senior advocate Mohan V. Kattarki to lead the legal proceedings.