Mullaperiyar dam safety evaluation begins with expert panel

An independent six-member expert panel has commenced a comprehensive safety evaluation of the 130-year-old Mullaperiyar dam. Led by Balraj Joshi, former CMD of the National Hydro Electric Power Corporation, the panel began its site visit on September 1 to assess the hydrological, seismic, and structural safety of the masonry gravity dam.

The evaluation follows a 2022 Supreme Court directive. The panel, which includes specialists in seismology, hydrology, and engineering, aims to provide an impartial assessment of the structure's stability. Following the initial inspection, the panel expects to submit its final report to the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) within 10 to 15 days.

The safety of the dam remains a point of contention between the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Kerala has expressed concerns regarding the risks to downstream populations and has advocated for the decommissioning of the old structure. Conversely, Tamil Nadu has sought to increase water storage levels and strengthen the dam's baby dam.