Recent Development:
- The Supreme Court asked Tamil Nadu and Kerala to choose between the court-constituted supervisory committee and a panel under the Dam Safety Act, 2021, for managing the Mullaperiyar Dam.
- This follows the Union government’s creation of a new supervisory committee on November 21, 2024.
Relevance : GS 2(Governance, Administration)
Structure of the New Supervisory Committee:
- Seven-member panel led by the Chairman of the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA).
- Includes:
- Two representatives each from Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
- A nodal officer from the International Centre for Excellence on Dams, IISc Bengaluru.
- A Member (Disaster & Resilience) in the NDSA serving as Member-Secretary.
Key Responsibilities:
- Periodic inspection of the dam.
- Monitoring safety measures.
- Recommending and overseeing implementation of safety-related actions by Tamil Nadu.
Historical Background:
- May 2014 Supreme Court Judgment:
- Directed the formation of a supervisory committee under the Union government in July 2014.
- The 2014 panel was reconstituted later, adding one technical member each from Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Challenges with Previous Supervisory Committee:
- Tamil Nadu farmers and water experts criticized its effectiveness.
- Allegations that it failed to ensure Kerala’s cooperation for dam-strengthening works.
Recent Cooperation:
- In December 2023, Kerala permitted Tamil Nadu to procure materials for maintenance work at the dam.
Current Questions:
- Whether forming another supervisory committee is necessary.
- Supreme Court to deliberate on the matter during the next hearing on February 19, 2025.
Legal and Administrative Implications:
- Under the Dam Safety Act, 2021, the NDSA assumes the role of the State Dam Safety Organization (SDSO) for inter-state dams.
- Clarity on the supervisory framework may emerge after additional affidavits and court deliberations.
Mullaperiyar Dam:
- Location and Purpose: The Mullaperiyar Dam is situated on the Mullaperiyar River in Kerala, India, and diverts water to the Vaigai River in Tamil Nadu for irrigation purposes, benefiting arid regions of Tamil Nadu.
- Construction and Age: Built in 1895 by the British, the dam is one of the oldest in India, with a height of 53.6 meters and a length of 365.7 meters.
- Interstate Dispute: The dam has been the subject of a prolonged dispute between Kerala and Tamil Nadu over its safety, with Kerala raising concerns about its structural integrity and the risks to downstream populations.
