125 years for Mullaperiyar Dam!

125 years for Mullaperiyar Dam!  Mullaperiyar dam is always considered as an engineering marvel across world, but is always an issue of debate.

Gautham S

(credits: New Indian Express)

Idukki: Mullaperiyar dam is always considered as an engineering marvel across world, but is always an issue of debate. This dam is main source of water for five arid districts of Tamil Nadu. On October 10, 2020, dam turns 125 years of existence.

    Effort by more than 3000 workers facing cold weather, incessant rain, wild animals and deadly diseases like cholera and malaria to build 175 ft. high dam in 8 years.

    On October 1886, Madras presidency and Maharaja of Travancore came to an agreement of life span 999 years lead to construction of Mullaperiyar dam. Construction of dam across Periyar River was to divert water to Vaigai River for irrigating farmlands of Madurai, Theni, Dindigal Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram district in Tamil Nadu. Works began under leadership of Scottish Major John Pennycuick in September 1887.

    

    But in recent years this dam became an issue for interstate dispute.

 

    In year 1998 state Tamil Nadu wanted to raise in height of what level permitted for water level in Dam, but Kerala opposed. Supreme Court allowed Tamil Nadu to raise water level to 142ft.. Meanwhile Kerala State Government amended Irrigation and Water Conservation Act but was turn down by Apex Court.

    In 2006, Mullaperiyar Samrakshana Samithi (MSS) was formed my people living in downstream of dam. They argued by explaining scenario about breaking of dam, which will wash out 5 districts in Kerala. Their protest continued till 2014 when Supreme Court declared Mullaperiyar Dam as a safer one.

    However 2018 flood triggered fear within. During 2018 flood, water level in Mullaperiyar rose dangerously and there was a mudslide near earthen baby dam.