Mullaperiyar Dam: Safety Review Panel to Visit on September 1
Kerala's Water Resources Minister says a safety review committee will visit Mullaperiyar dam on Sept 1; state will demand complete inspection.
The Mullaperiyar dam will receive a visit from a safety review committee on September 1, according to Kerala's Water Resources Minister, Mons Joseph. Speaking to reporters in Thodupuzha on Saturday, the Minister outlined the state's plans for the visit.
Kerala intends to press for a comprehensive safety inspection of the dam during the committee's visit, in line with directives issued by the Supreme Court. The Minister expressed hope that the committee would conduct a full examination, adding that if it declines to do so, the state will approach the Supreme Court.
Mr. Joseph also criticised the previous government's handling of the matter, noting that Kerala failed to capitalise on favourable findings from earlier inspections. He announced that a new legal team has been appointed to manage Mullaperiyar-related issues.
Once the safety committee submits its report, Kerala will convene a high-level meeting in Delhi to review the findings. The Minister confirmed that the rule curve is currently being followed at the dam and reiterated the state's unwavering position on constructing a new dam to permanently resolve the issue.