Kerala has once again reiterated its long-standing demand for the construction of a new Mullaperiyar Dam, while Tamil Nadu has firmly opposed the proposal and instead renewed its demand to raise the water level in the existing dam.
The issue was discussed at a meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Water Resources, chaired by MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy, where representatives from both states presented their respective positions.
Kerala maintained that its demand for a new dam is based purely on public safety, arguing that nearly 3.5 million people living across five districts remain vulnerable if the ageing structure develops any structural issues.
Following the meeting, Standing Committee member and MP Jebi Mather said Kerala remained firm on its demand throughout the discussions. She clarified that the state has never objected to supplying water to Tamil Nadu and expressed hope that a mutually acceptable solution addressing the concerns of both states would eventually be reached.
Kerala was represented at the meeting by Water Resources Department Special Secretary S. Suhas.
As Gold 101.3FM, UAE’s No.1 radio station, reports, Tamil Nadu’s delegation, including Standing Committee member MP Thanga Tamilselvan and senior state officials, reiterated that the existing Mullaperiyar Dam is safe and opposed any proposal to construct a new one. Instead, the state pressed for raising the water level of the current dam to meet its irrigation and water requirements.
Speaking after the meeting, Committee Chairman Rajiv Pratap Rudy said both Kerala and Tamil Nadu are equally important, and the committee would present the concerns of both states before the Central Government without taking sides in the dispute.
Rudy said the committee had carefully heard submissions from both delegations, noting that Tamil Nadu’s primary concern is ensuring adequate water availability, while Kerala’s focus remains on the safety of people living downstream.
He stressed that the Parliamentary Standing Committee is not expressing any opinion on the dispute, adding that both public safety and the availability of drinking and irrigation water are equally important. He also said the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti is working towards resolving the issue.
The committee chairman further noted that the matter is currently under judicial consideration and that the committee will continue hearing officials from both states before forwarding their recommendations and concerns to the Centre. He expressed hope that a balanced solution benefiting the people of both Kerala and Tamil Nadu, and the wider South Indian region, would eventually emerge.
