Addressing a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, Joseph said the government would file a special petition before the apex court seeking enforcement of the safety assessment authorised in 2024. Senior advocate Mohan V Kattarki has been appointed to lead the state’s legal proceedings.
The government will also seek the Centre’s active intervention to resolve outstanding differences with Tamil Nadu concerning the dam’s safety, maintenance and management. Joseph said Kerala had already informed the Supreme Court that it had complied with conditions stipulated by the court concerning the Baby Dam.
The proposed legal action places renewed emphasis on completing a comprehensive technical examination of the ageing structure, which remains central to disagreements between the neighbouring states over reservoir operations and public safety.
Kerala maintains that a detailed assessment is essential to establish the dam’s present structural condition and determine whether additional safeguards are necessary. Tamil Nadu, which operates the reservoir, has consistently defended its safety while seeking permission to undertake outstanding strengthening works.
The Supreme Court’s 2014 judgment permitted Tamil Nadu to maintain the reservoir level at 142 feet and established a supervisory mechanism to oversee safety. The court relied on findings of an empowered committee that considered the dam structurally, hydrologically and seismically safe.
Subsequent judicial directions strengthened supervisory arrangements and addressed the requirement for further safety scrutiny. During 2024, the Central Water Commission called for a comprehensive inspection covering structural integrity, seismic resistance, flood safety and operational arrangements.
Kerala has maintained that routine inspections cannot substitute for a comprehensive technical evaluation. Tamil Nadu has argued that pending strengthening measures, including work associated with the Baby Dam, require cooperation and necessary permissions from Kerala.
The Supreme Court subsequently directed both governments in May 2025 to act upon recommendations made by the Mullaperiyar Supervisory Committee concerning maintenance and safety.
The dispute concerns a masonry dam constructed across the Periyar river in Kerala’s Idukki district. Although the structure stands within Kerala, Tamil Nadu operates it under longstanding arrangements and uses its waters for irrigation and other requirements.
Kerala favours replacing the existing structure with a new dam, citing safety concerns. Tamil Nadu opposes measures that could undermine its established water rights and maintains that strengthening and maintenance provide the appropriate response.
Joseph’s announcement came alongside a broader programme to reorganise Kerala’s water administration. The government intends to restructure the Water Resources Department and Kerala Water Authority to improve drinking water distribution, irrigation services and resource management.
A comprehensive water policy is being prepared to bring different departmental functions within a coordinated administrative framework. Joseph indicated that the policy could be announced early next year.
The government will organise a Kerala Water Conclave in Thiruvananthapuram during the first week of December. Specialists, including disaster management expert Muralee Thummarukudy, are expected to participate in discussions on water management and related challenges.
Joseph identified drinking water losses in the capital as another immediate priority. He said nearly half the water pumped from Aruvikkara was lost before reaching consumers, highlighting weaknesses in the distribution network.
A pilot project employing new technology will investigate the causes of these losses and identify leakages requiring repairs. The government intends to extend the technology elsewhere if the initial implementation proves successful.
The administration is also examining the feasibility of establishing coastal desalination facilities to convert seawater into drinking water. Proposals for controlling water hyacinth proliferation in Kuttanad and Upper Kuttanad are being evaluated by an expert committee.
Separately, Joseph announced that comprehensive safety assessments of 22 dams managed by the Irrigation Department and Kerala Water Authority would be completed by December 31.
The government also plans to accelerate Jal Jeevan Mission projects and pursue approximately Rs 8,000 crore in outstanding central assistance through discussions with the Union Jal Shakti Ministry. Joseph said substantial contractor payments had already been cleared using a Rs 7,000-crore NABARD loan.
Coastal protection measures include a proposed Rs 4,000-crore project supported by the Asian Development Bank, covering identified erosion hotspots.
The minister additionally announced plans to renovate irrigation canals, develop selected dam premises for tourism and reopen Malampuzha garden following restoration. Departmental landholdings will be mapped within six months to identify encroachments and safeguard public property.
(The article ‘Kerala to move SC over Mullaperiyar safety’ appeared first on Free Press Journal.)
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