MULLAPERIYAR DAM-
DIFFERENT OPINION OF TAMIL NADU & KERALA
Tamil Nadu:-There can be no question of Tamil Nadu giving up its rights over Mullaiperiyar. Its waters are not exclusively Kerala's, but an inter-State resource governed by the principles of inter-State rivers. Tamil Nadu to raise the water level to 142 feet as per the Supreme Court's directive. But overcoming the obstacles that Kerala threw in the way of carrying out the work was more agonizing. When Tamil Nadu wanted to use small explosives to break stones, Kerala objected saying that the noise would disturb wildlife. When Tamil Nadu tried to transport the gravel in lorries, they stopped the vehicles saying the sound would scare the animals. At last, we used donkeys to transport building material. Kerala should realise that our country's main economy is agriculture hence; the whole nation should do whatever required improving the same. Just by producing few Megawatts what you will achieve. Letting water into sea without using for agriculture is a biggest crime.
Kerala:- Periyar is not an interstate river. It starts in Kerala, flows through Kerala to Arabian sea. Mullaperiyar dam blocks the natural flow of the river and diverts water to Tamil Nadu. So there is no question of Rights of Tamil Nadu here. Now Kerala is refusing to give permission for strengthening the baby dam, which is part of the irrigation system in Mullaiperiyar, and the building of the parapet walls on the main dam, which is essential if Tamil Nadu is to complete the long-term strengthening process. If Kerala's concern is the dam's safety alone, why is it preventing us physically from carrying out the strengthening work? I hope the people of Kerala, if they are really fearful of the dam bursting, would ask this of their rulers. Once the long-term strengthening is done, Tamil Nadu would be legally entitled to store water up to 152 feet. It is pertinent here to record the fact that the Kerala government has steadfastly refused to give a power connection to the small PWD maintenance office located at the dam site. Another issue raised by Mr. Iyer and some other ‘experts' is that the 1886 agreement is seen as ‘unfair' to Kerala. But has its government ever made an issue of it openly? In the various talks I have participated in, the alleged unfairness of the agreement never cropped up. The land clearly belongs to Tamil Nadu as the agreement of 1886 is legally sound.
There can be no question of Tamil Nadu giving up its rights over Mullaiperiyar. The latest slogan, ‘Water for Tamil Nadu, Safety for Kerala,' is just a deception. The proposal for a new dam downstream, which has caught the fancy of many well-meaning people with no real knowledge of ground realities, is only a ploy to deprive Tamil Nadu of water. The most important element that is missing in this narrative is that Mullaiperiyar waters are not exclusively Kerala's, but an inter-State resource governed by the principles of inter-State rivers. Kerala do not need the Tamilnadu's water .Kerala is demanding only the safety of five lakhs of poeple without troubling the tamilnadu.The tamilnadu must understand the seriousness of this severe issue and also should come forward for the talks atleast. And also have to stop the false propaganda regarding the tamilians are attacking in Kerala.To all those “experts” who suggest “minimizing” dependence on Mullaiperiyar water - what do you propose the huge population who depend on agriculture to do? Become software engineers overnight? If the terms of the agreement with the British rulers were not fare, we can talk as brothers and change it. If the water is diverted, then the famine will return to south TN. That is not good for anyone.Whatever the so called experts might say, it is quite obvious that a very old dam is a potential threat. Mr.durai and others seem to think that this dam will remain in good shape for another 1000 years and more! People in Kerala want preventive action to be taken; i.e. A new dam and eventual decommissioning of the old dam. Water will continue to flow to TN as per the current agreement. Ms.Jayalatha says that there would not be an earth quake in Idukky area strong enough to break the dam! She seems to be in control of nature. It is very sad to see the mullaperiyar (mullaiperiyar in tamil) issue blown out of such a huge proportion. The world will be laughing at the South Indians, who are considered bright and intelligent, fighting over a issue that should be handled professionally and technically. It is a fact that governance does not happen in Kerala, and one-person or family parties rule the roost in TN. Politics apart, could the two governments agree upon anything after having met and discussed a lot. I think for anything there is an expiry date decided by the experts ,in abroad this law is strictly followed ,that they will demolish the structure and build the new one after the the said expiry date is over .If mullaiperiyar is too old whether it is applicable to it ?.
My second question is if there exists a contract it has to be maintained, if it is expired it has to be renewed by the mutual consent of the two parties as per the new terms and conditions. Just think about the fact that it is 116 year old and the technology at the time it was built was quite inadequate to prolong its life to more than 50 years. 136 feet of water over a huge area exerts a pressure which is not really negligible. Any strengthening work is not a permanent solution. Kerala has made it clear that it's responsible to ensure water for TN. So where is the cause of concern. Please understand that its not a political 'proverbial tiger' but a genuine issue we are dealing with! Also think about a situation where the dam collapses and the catastrophe, even if Idukki dam holds the water! there will be a huge casualty. Do you think if it happens Kerala people/politicians will ever agree for another dam? So what will happen to the people in rain shadow region? An old structure will not have the strength of a new one however it is strengthened. Kerala reaffirmed that TN will get all the water they are getting now.
Everyone knows that this Mullaperiyar Dam is an old one built with primitive technology which has already crossed its life span. May be true, the dam is strong, because it was constructed by British people. Even though, there is expiry time for all concrete structure, whatever may be the contentions! Learned Technical people, who have eyes, ears and brains should conduct a detailed scientific study on this Mullaperiyar Dam relating to the Dam's strength, present condition, whether the Dam can be existing for further years, whether is it threatening to the life of millions of people in Kerala etc.etc., all these aspects have to be taken into consideration. First and foremost, let us find out the real things pertaining to this Dam. Humble request to TN, please give up this adamant stance and come down for having mutual amicable discussion with Kerala Govt. for arriving at a consensus which is inevitable in this critical situation. Safety first. Amicable settlement should be our goal.. If water from the dam is diverted to Tamil Nadu through a tunnel at lower height of about 50 feet, Tamil Nadu would have water and the people of Kerala would have no cause to worry of dam burst. It is unfortunate that this rational solution is ignored both by Tamil Nadu and Kerala, which propose to build another dam - a repeat of environmental blunder. Keralites want to live in harmony with the Tamilians and would not wish to deprive them of water. This is even more relevant due to the fact that Kerala relies heavily on agricultural products from Tamil Nadu, especially from the districts supplied by the water drawn from Mullaperiyar Reservoir. Even if the proposed new dam is at a lower altitude, modern engineering technology should be able to find ways to ensure a steady supply of water. It is true that Kerala will be able to generate more hydroelectric power with more water flowing down to the Idukki Reservoir, but the reasons for the pleas to decommission the old dam are as clear as day light to any human being with common sense. Images of this leaky, 116 year old dam, which has outlived the 50 years predicted by its chief architect, Major Penny Quick, are available for everyone to see on the internet and other media. The problem is aggravated by the unprecedented frequency of earthquakes in the region, more than those due to dam-induced seismicity. The claim that no dam has breached due to an earthquake, as suggested by some people, is incorrect. The failure of Sheffield Dam in Santa Barbara in the United States in 1925 was due to an earthquake. One should also read about the failures of Morvi Dam in Gujarat and Jaswant Sagar Dam in Rajasthan, as well as the horrendous loss of life and property caused by the breach of Banqiao Dam in China. Excessive flooding was responsible in all three. If Mullaperiyar Dam breaches due to any cause, it could lead to the
failure of the dams downstream, as we learned from the Banqiao disaster. There is enough and more scientific explanation behind all this, including the phenomenon of ‘overtopping.’ It is sad that Kerala’s Advocate General failed to convey the correct message. The water level is currently held at 136 feet as per Supreme Court’s directive to maintain status quo. The ideal way forward would be to decommission the old dam and reduce the water level to 120 feet while a new dam is being built. Alternatively, one could consider a drainage tunnel 50 feet below the current level, although this proposal has to be thoroughly investigated and proven to be a scientifically sound plan. History has taught us to be wise, to learn from mistakes and to take steps to prevent an accident or a disaster happening. It is not a matter of spreading ‘fear psychosis’ for no apparent reason. Problem now lies in building mutual trust between the neighbors that is the biggest casualty. For one, TN should understand that even if whipped up by politicians, now there are genuine safety concerns among the people living downstream and there is no way to address it if TN does not agree to a new dam. Second, Kerala should give an undertaking backed by constitutional guarantee that TN would receive same quantity of water as now with enjoyment of all its present rights unhindered.
failure of the dams downstream, as we learned from the Banqiao disaster. There is enough and more scientific explanation behind all this, including the phenomenon of ‘overtopping.’ It is sad that Kerala’s Advocate General failed to convey the correct message. The water level is currently held at 136 feet as per Supreme Court’s directive to maintain status quo. The ideal way forward would be to decommission the old dam and reduce the water level to 120 feet while a new dam is being built. Alternatively, one could consider a drainage tunnel 50 feet below the current level, although this proposal has to be thoroughly investigated and proven to be a scientifically sound plan. History has taught us to be wise, to learn from mistakes and to take steps to prevent an accident or a disaster happening. It is not a matter of spreading ‘fear psychosis’ for no apparent reason. Problem now lies in building mutual trust between the neighbors that is the biggest casualty. For one, TN should understand that even if whipped up by politicians, now there are genuine safety concerns among the people living downstream and there is no way to address it if TN does not agree to a new dam. Second, Kerala should give an undertaking backed by constitutional guarantee that TN would receive same quantity of water as now with enjoyment of all its present rights unhindered.
Prof. John Kurakar
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