The Governor said the Mullaperiyar dam is the lifeline of the people of the southern districts.
Topic: politicsRegion: asia pacificUpdated: i2 outletsSources: 3Spectrum: Center Only⏱ 4 min read
Story Summary
SITUATION
Governor’s address: T.N. vows to oppose new Mullaperiyar dam proposal, take steps to halt Mekedatu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar said in his address to the Assembly on Thursday (June 18, 2026) that the Tamil Nadu government will take firm measures to prevent the Kerala government’s attempt to build a new Mullaperiyar dam and will take concerted action to carry out repair works in the dam area and raise the water level of the dam.
Coveragetap to expand ▾Spectrum: Center Only🌍Asia: 2 · Other: 1
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KEY FACTS
- In 2014, the Supreme Court ordered that the water level of the Mullaperiyar dam may be raised to 142 feet and also advised that the level may be raised further to 152 feet after strengthening the dam.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
The ongoing tensions surrounding the Mullaperiyar dam are rooted in a complex history of inter-state relations between Tamil Nadu and Kerala in India. The dam, built in 1895, has been a contentious issue for over a century, primarily due to concerns over its safety and the management of water resources.
In 2014, the Supreme Court of India intervened in this long-standing dispute by ruling that the water level of the Mullaperiyar dam could be raised to 142 feet, contingent upon necessary strengthening measures being implemented.
Why it matters
- The Governor's commitment to opposing the new Mullaperiyar dam proposal directly impacts the agricultural communities in Tamil Nadu's southern districts, who rely on the dam for irrigation and water supply.
- By preventing the Kerala government's attempts to alter the dam's management, Tamil Nadu aims to secure its water resources, which are vital for sustaining local livelihoods and food production.
- Additionally, any changes to the dam's status could exacerbate tensions between the two states, potentially leading to further disputes over water rights and resource allocation, affecting millions of residents dependent on these water systems.
What to watch next
- The Tamil Nadu government plans to finalize its legal strategy against the proposed Mekedatu dam within the next 72 hours, aiming to file a petition in the Supreme Court.
- Kerala's Chief Minister is expected to address the Assembly next week to outline the state's position on the Mullaperiyar dam and respond to Tamil Nadu's objections.
- Environmental groups are organizing a rally in support of the Mullaperiyar dam's preservation, scheduled for June 25, 2026, to raise awareness and pressure local governments.
- The Central Water Commission will hold a meeting by the end of the month to discuss the implications of both the Mullaperiyar and Mekedatu dam proposals, with recommendations anticipated shortly thereafter.
- Stakeholders from both states are set to convene a joint committee meeting before the July summit to negotiate potential compromises regarding water management and dam safety.
Sources
3 of 3 linked articles
Tamil Nadu pushes back against Karnataka's Mekedatu, Kerala's Mullaperiyar projects: Guv Arlekar in Assembly address - India's News.Net
indiasnews.net14h agoLeft
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Tamil Nadu Assembly opens amid DMK protest; Governor Arlekar unveils Social Justice Survey, reaffirms two-language policy
aninews.in15h agoLeft
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The Governor said the Mullaperiyar dam is the lifeline of the people of the southern districts.
thehindu.com22h agoCenter
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