The Looming Disaster: Mulla Periyar Dam Poses a Threat to Millions
Introduction
India stands on the brink of a catastrophic disaster that could claim the lives of 3.5 million people. The Mulla Periyar Dam, a 123-year-old structure located between Tamil Nadu and Kerala, is on the verge of collapse. If preventive measures are not taken immediately, the consequences could be devastating.
The Ageing Mulla Periyar Dam
Constructed in 1895 during the British Raj, the Mulla Periyar Dam was built to address the drought-stricken districts of Tamil Nadu, including Madurai, Theni, and Dindigul. Over the years, the dam has deteriorated significantly, with cracks and leaks appearing as early as 1979, just 80 years after its construction. Today, the dam is more than twice its intended lifespan, and its structural integrity is severely compromised.
Warnings and Concerns
The situation is so dire that the United Nations recently issued a warning to India regarding the dam’s potential to cause a massive disaster. Multiple expert bodies, including the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, IIT Roorkee, and other top institutions, have all echoed the same sentiment: the dam should be decommissioned and replaced immediately.
According to reports, if an earthquake of 6.5 magnitude on the Richter scale strikes the region, the dam could collapse instantly. This is particularly concerning as the area around the dam is highly earthquake-prone.
Chain Reaction: A Potential Domino Effect
The Mulla Periyar Dam is not an isolated structure. Behind it lies the Idukki Dam, which in turn is supported by the Cheruthoni and Kulamavu Dams. If the Mulla Periyar Dam fails, it could trigger a chain reaction, leading to the collapse of all these dams. The Idukki Dam, the largest in Asia, would unleash a flood of unprecedented scale, resulting in unimaginable destruction.
Political Stalemate: Kerala vs. Tamil Nadu
Despite the imminent danger, the governments of Kerala and Tamil Nadu have been embroiled in a long-standing dispute over the dam. The dam, located 173 kilometers inside Kerala’s borders, is under Tamil Nadu’s control due to an agreement made during the British era. Tamil Nadu has consistently resisted Kerala’s demands to reduce the water level in the dam or construct a new one.
Kerala argues that the dam is a ticking time bomb and insists on building a new structure to replace the ageing one. However, Tamil Nadu fears losing control over the water supply and the power generated by the dam, which is crucial for its drought-prone districts.
The Historical Context
The origins of the conflict date back to 1890, when the British sought to alleviate the severe drought in Tamil Nadu’s districts by diverting the Periyar River’s flow. To do this, they leased 35,000 hectares of land from the Travancore state (now Kerala) for 999 years and built the Mulla Periyar Dam.
After India’s independence, the area was divided between Tamil Nadu and Kerala, leaving the dam caught in the middle. While the dam is situated in Kerala, it primarily benefits Tamil Nadu, leading to the current deadlock.
The Risks and The Way Forward
The potential collapse of the Mulla Periyar Dam is not just a regional issue; it is a national emergency. The Morbi Dam disaster in Gujarat in 1979, which claimed 25,000 lives, serves as a grim reminder of what could happen if the Mulla Periyar Dam fails. The flash floods, debris, and destruction that would result from such an event would be beyond the capacity of India’s National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to handle.
The situation demands immediate and decisive action. Both state governments must set aside their political differences and prioritize the safety of millions of people. The construction of a new dam is not just necessary; it is urgent.
The Larger Problem: Infrastructure Neglect in India
The Mulla Periyar Dam is not an isolated case of infrastructure neglect in India. Across the country, critical infrastructure projects are often delayed, poorly maintained, or inadequately constructed. The result is a series of disasters waiting to happen.
For example, in 2013, a new terminal at Chennai Airport was hastily inaugurated before elections, only to suffer severe structural damage a few years later. Similar stories can be found across the country, from collapsed bridges in Bihar to cracks in the Atal Setu in Mumbai, just six months after its inauguration.
Conclusion
India’s infrastructure woes are a reflection of a larger problem—political apathy and short-term thinking. The Mulla Periyar Dam is a symbol of this neglect. It is time for the Indian government to prioritize long-term safety and development over short-term political gains. The lives of millions depend on it.
As citizens, we must demand accountability from our leaders and ensure that our tax money is spent on building safe and sustainable infrastructure. Only then can we prevent disasters like the potential collapse of the Mulla Periyar Dam and build a truly developed nation.
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