Kerala to approach Supreme Court for Mullaperiyar dam safety inspection
Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph announced plans to overhaul the state's water sector and seek central intervention in the dam dispute.
The Kerala government will file a special petition in the Supreme Court to ensure the execution of a 2024 judgment regarding a detailed safety inspection of the Mullaperiyar dam, according to reports by India Today and Mathrubhumi.
Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph said on Monday that senior advocate Mohan V Kattarki has been appointed as lead counsel for the state. The government will also request the Centre to intervene in the long-standing dispute with Tamil Nadu over the dam.
Joseph stated that the state has already notified the Supreme Court of its compliance with conditions related to the Baby Dam issue. He also announced a plan to reform the Water Resources Department and the Kerala Water Authority to improve irrigation and drinking water management.
A new water policy, intended to bring various departments under one framework, is expected to be released in early 2027. To support these reforms, a Kerala Water Conclave will be held in Thiruvananthapuram during the first week of December.
The minister noted that nearly half of the water pumped from Aruvikkara is lost before reaching consumers in the state capital. A pilot project using new technology will be launched to find and repair these leakages.
As part of dam safety efforts, a full assessment of 22 dams under the Irrigation Department and the Water Authority must be finished by December 31. Additionally, the government aims to complete mapping of departmental land within six months to address encroachments.