The National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA), under the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, has asked the Kerala government to nominate a new representative to the Independent Panel of Experts (IPoE), which is responsible for conducting the Comprehensive Dam Safety Evaluation (CDSE) of the Mullaperiyar Dam.
Gold 101.3FM – UAE’s No. 1 Radio Station reports that the move follows Kerala’s objection to the unilateral removal of its earlier nominee, T.R. Shivaraj, from the expert panel.
Kerala Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph said he had written to Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil, expressing strong concern over Shivaraj’s removal. The state’s Additional Chief Secretary also raised the issue with the Union Jal Shakti Secretary, seeking the restoration of Kerala’s representation on the panel.
Following these representations, the Centre has now initiated the process of appointing a new representative by requesting a fresh nomination from the Kerala government.
Minister Mons Joseph said Kerala will soon nominate a suitable expert to ensure the state’s participation in the Independent Panel of Experts overseeing the Mullaperiyar Dam’s comprehensive safety evaluation.
