Kerala's Request for New Environmental Impact Assessment for Mullaperiyar Dam Faces Tamil Nadu Opposition

The Kerala government has sought fresh terms of reference (ToR) for an environmental impact assessment (EIA) for a new dam at Mullaperiyar in Idukki district. This move has sparked significant opposition from Tamil Nadu, which claims that the proposal violates a Supreme Court order and could lead to contempt of court proceedings.

The Mullaperiyar dam, built in 1895 and located in Kerala's Idukki district, is owned and operated by Tamil Nadu. The dam has been a contentious issue between the two states for decades, with Kerala advocating for a new dam citing safety concerns, while Tamil Nadu maintains that the existing structure is safe.

Kerala's request for a new ToR is part of its groundwork for constructing a new dam. The earlier ToR, issued in 2018, had expired, necessitating a new one to prepare an EIA and estimate the possible environmental impacts of the proposed construction.

Tamil Nadu has strongly opposed Kerala's proposal. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has written to Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, seeking directions to drop the agenda of ToR from the meeting. Tamil Nadu argues that the Supreme Court had specified in 2018 that its permission was required for any such studies. "The decision to entertain Kerala's proposal amounted to a violation of an earlier order of the Supreme Court," said Stalin.

Why this matters: The dispute over the Mullaperiyar dam has significant implications for the environment, safety, and inter-state relations. If not resolved, it could lead to further legal battles, environmental degradation, and potential harm to local communities.

Kerala officials argue that an extensive EIA is necessary considering the changed environmental scenario, especially the back-to-back floods in 2018 and 2019. They assert that the apex court had earlier dismissed Tamil Nadu's Interlocutory Application (IA) objecting to the earlier ToR for an EIA and the clearance issued by the National Board for Wild Life (NBWL). "Kerala needs an extensive EIA considering the changed environmental scenario, especially the back-to-back floods in 2018 and 2019, as part of its preparatory works," said Kerala officials.

The proposed site for the new dam is situated in the Periyar Tiger Reserve, a protected area that requires prior environmental clearances. The estimated cost of the new dam was around ₹800 crore, which is expected to increase. Kerala has almost finalized the design of the new dam and needs a new ToR to prepare a comprehensive project report (DPR) and engage Tamil Nadu in discussions.

The legal battle over the Mullaperiyar dam dates back to 1996, with both states engaged in a prolonged dispute over the safety aspects of the existing dam. The Supreme Court has been involved on multiple occasions, issuing various orders and dismissing applications related to the dam's safety and the proposed construction of a new one.

On Saturday, Tamil Nadu Public Works Department engineers released 300 cusecs of water from the Mullaperiyar dam at Thekkadi for irrigation and drinking purposes. The water release will continue for 120 days, benefiting 14,707 acres of land in ayacut areas, covering Uthamapalayam, Theni, and Bodi.

The ongoing dispute over the Mullaperiyar dam is likely to lead to further legal challenges. Tamil Nadu has threatened to initiate legal action, including filing contempt of court petitions, if the orders of the Supreme Court are not adhered to on this issue.

Key Takeaways

• Kerala seeks new terms of reference for environmental impact assessment of Mullaperiyar dam.
• Tamil Nadu opposes, citing Supreme Court order and potential contempt of court.
• Dispute has significant implications for environment, safety, and inter-state relations.
• Kerala argues for new dam due to safety concerns, while Tamil Nadu claims existing dam is safe.
• Legal battle dates back to 1996, with ongoing threats of further legal challenges.