Mullaperiyar: a Dilemma?
Posted on Dec 03, 2011 | No Comments.| Both Tamil Nadu and Kerala governments are in a major dispute on the safety of the Mullaperiyar dam. Kerala demands, demolishing the existing dam and build a new one.
So the first question that arises is: Is the dam safe? What about the earthquakes? Can the dam withstand an earthquake of a magnitude higher than 6 on the Richter scale. According to many experts the dam may not be able to withstand it. After the studies conducted by the Indian experts, which suggest that the area around the dam does not face the risk of a high-intensity earthquake, which the Supreme Court seems to be satisfied with, thus supporting the Tamil Nadu stand on the issue.
The Kerala state government’s states, if the Mullaperiyar dam breaks, in the event of a major earthquake, three other dams in Kerala at Idukki, Cheruthoni and Kolamavu will also give way under the pressure of the water from the Mullaperiyar. As a result, lives of 3.5 million people living in the danger zone would be at stake. There will be water shortage in five districts of Kerala if the Mullaperiyar is demolished as the people are completely depended on its water. “I am sure that, given goodwill on both sides, an amicable and mutually acceptable solution can be found out through a process of dialogue and communication,” said the prime minister on the issue on Thursday. The issue is one of water, one that concerns both states. Both states are making pronouncements keeping an eye on the water – and on the votes. It’s the central government which needs to act. And its decision should be fair considering the right side in the issue. It should not take a decision wavering to its future policies. |
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