Kottayam (Keralam) | Keralam will intensify efforts for a detailed safety inspection of the Mullaperiyar dam and approach the Centre and the Supreme Court, Minister Mons Joseph said here on Friday.

Keralam has long been claiming that the 131-year-old Mullaperiyar dam in Idukki district is unsafe and has sought the construction of a new dam downstream of the existing structure.

Tamil Nadu, which currently maintains the dam, on the other hand, wants to raise the reservoir’s water level beyond 142 feet.

Joseph said a joint inspection of the dam had recently been conducted based on a decision of a national-level committee, in the presence of representatives of Keralam and Tamil Nadu.

“This is something Keralam has been demanding for a long time. We had sought a national-level inspection in the presence of representatives of both Keralam and Tamil Nadu. It could not be conducted earlier due to various technical issues. The fact that it has now taken place is a relief for us,” the state Water Resources minister told reporters.

However, Joseph said Keralam’s main demand was for a detailed safety inspection of the dam and that a preliminary assessment alone was not sufficient.

He pointed out that the Supreme Court had issued an interim order in 2022 regarding a detailed study of the Mullaperiyar dam’s safety.

“We have not been able to ensure its implementation through continuous efforts. Now that the new government has assumed office, we are moving towards taking steps to ensure that it is conducted at the earliest,” he said.

Joseph said the report of the preliminary inspection was awaited and added that Keralam would seek to convince the Centre and the Supreme Court of the need for a detailed safety inspection.

He said the state government had decided to take all legally available measures in the Mullaperiyar matter and had discussed the issue at the government level in the presence of Chief Minister V D Satheesan.

The government would make efforts to create a favourable legal situation for Keralam and convince the Centre and the Ministry of Jal Shakti to provide the necessary assistance to the state, he said.

Joseph said the UDF government had identified delays and lapses in these efforts.

“By rectifying those lapses, an effective and flawless intervention by the state government in the Mullaperiyar issue is the justice we have to show to the people of Keralam. The government will do that,” he said.

Joseph said a high-level meeting had already been held to discuss the issue and that another meeting involving legal experts would soon be convened in Delhi.

“After taking decisions there, we will strengthen efforts both to convince the Supreme Court about the matter and to convince the Central government to take a decision favourable to Keralam,” he said.