Supreme Court to Hear Plea on Reducing Mullaperiyar Dam Water Level in January 2025

Disaster Management Disaster Management in India

Posted by NewAdmin on 2025-01-24 04:57:05 |

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The Supreme Court has scheduled a detailed hearing in January 2025 on a petition seeking to lower the permissible water level of the Mullaperiyar Dam from 142 feet to 120 feet. The petition, filed by advocate Mathews J. Nedumpara, highlights the potential risks posed by the dam, particularly in light of recent landslides in Wayanad that claimed over 220 lives, making it one of the most devastating natural disasters in recent history.

On Friday, December 6, 2024, a Bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyyan reviewed the petition and instructed the petitioner, who appeared online, to present his case in person before the court during the upcoming hearing. The petition argues that reducing the water level is crucial to preventing any catastrophic failure of the dam, which is located in the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats and serves as a critical water source for multiple regions.

The Mullaperiyar Dam, a long-standing subject of legal and political disputes between the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, has been a point of concern due to its aging structure and the potential threat it poses to downstream areas. The petitioner contends that given the recent extreme weather events, a precautionary reduction in water levels is necessary to ensure the safety of millions of residents living in the dam's vicinity.

As the Supreme Court prepares to deliberate on the matter, stakeholders, including government authorities and environmental experts, are closely watching the proceedings. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for dam safety regulations and water management policies in the region.

The petition underscores the need for proactive measures to mitigate risks associated with aging infrastructure and climate-induced disasters, ensuring the safety and well-being of affected communities.

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