Mullaperiyar Dam's 130-Year Safety Under Scrutiny! Expert Panel Delivers Report Soon

A comprehensive safety evaluation of the 130-year-old Mullaperiyar dam was recently conducted by a five-member independent expert panel in Kerala. The inspection, which took place on Tuesday, aimed to thoroughly assess the dam's structural integrity, a long-standing concern for the region.

The panel, led by Balraj Joshi, former CMD of the National Hydro Electric Power Corporation, visited the dam and its premises at Vallakadavu near Kumily. This critical review was mandated by a 2022 Supreme Court order, issued in response to a petition filed by Kerala native Joe Joseph, who sought an evaluation of the dam’s hydrological, seismic, and structural aspects to determine its safety for public use.

Kerala has consistently advocated for a full safety audit of the dam and has even called for the construction of a new dam to replace the aging structure. Following their on-site inspection, Joshi informed reporters that the panel would engage in discussions with officials from both Tamil Nadu and Kerala this week.

The final report is expected to be submitted to the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) within 15 days.

Joshi emphasized the rigorous nature of the NDSA-ordered inspection, stating,

There is a clear format for this NDSA-ordered inspection. It is spelt out in the NDS Act.

He added that the panel would impartially examine the structure's stability for general public safety, considering its age.

The evaluation will delve into the dam's design, engineering, instrumentation, and seismic aspects, ensuring it aligns with current engineering paradigms and can effectively perform its intended public function.

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