Check dam row: Kerala moves SC against NGT intervention in inter-state dispute with Tamil Nadu

New Delhi: The Kerala government has approached the Supreme Court of India challenging the intervention of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in the construction of a check dam at Vattavada in Idukki district.

The petition has been filed by Chief Secretary Dr A Jayathilak, contesting the tribunal’s jurisdiction in the matter.

In its plea, Kerala argues that the NGT has no authority to intervene in inter-state river water disputes. The state maintains that the project is aimed at addressing drinking water shortages in Vattavada panchayat in Idukki district.

The petition further states that the check dam is being implemented under the Jal Jeevan Mission and is expected to provide clean drinking water to 2,850 families. Kerala has also asserted that the project does not require environmental clearance.

The tribunal had taken suo motu cognisance of the issue based on media reports suggesting that the construction of the Chilanthiyar check dam could reduce water flow to the Amaravathi Dam in Tamil Nadu.

Water from the Amaravathi dam is used to irrigate around 55,000 acres of land across Tiruppur and Karur districts. Tamil Nadu has argued that any reduction in inflow to the dam would adversely affect irrigation in these regions.

The green tribunal had earlier directed both states to resolve the matter through discussions, in line with the Cauvery river water dispute tribunal’s order. Although talks were held, they failed to yield a resolution.

The petition on behalf of the Chief Secretary was filed in the Supreme Court by standing counsel Nishe Rajen Shonker.

The development comes at a politically sensitive time, with legislative assembly elections approaching in both states.