Tamil Nadu Rejects Kerala Proposal for New Mullaperiyar Dam

During the 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu rejected a proposal from Kerala to construct a new Mullaperiyar dam. Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan offered to fund the entire project and allow Tamil Nadu to determine the design and location, provided the state continued to receive its full share of water. Satheesan argued that the 131-year-old structure poses a significant safety risk to downstream residents.

Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and Electricity Minister C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar dismissed the offer, stating that Supreme Court-appointed committees have already certified the dam's safety. Tamil Nadu officials expressed concern that building a new dam could invalidate the 999-year agreement governing water rights. Instead of a replacement, Tamil Nadu reiterated its demand to raise the water level in the existing reservoir to 152 feet.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired the proceedings but did not offer an opinion on the dispute. Tamil Nadu officials emphasized that the current dam remains vital for agriculture in the Madurai and Ramanathapuram regions.