Surkhi connection fuels Mullaperiyar dam anxiety after Tungabhadra episode

The washing away of a gate of the Tungabhadra dam in Karnataka has intensified paranoia in Kerala over the possibility of a Mullaperiyar dam burst, fears that were rekindled by recent landslides in Wayanad.

Online petitions and video interviews discussing the potential aftermath of a Mullaperiyar dam burst were already gaining traction, with many sharing these concerns across social media platforms. The washing away of a Tungabhadra dam gate further heightened these fears. Following the washing away, a media narrative falsely claimed that the dam had burst. Many netizens cited this narrative, asserting that the Mullaperiyar dam could one day face a similar fate.

Interestingly, the Tungabhadra dam stands as India's largest stone masonry dam and is unique as the only major non-cement dam in the country, alongside Kerala's Mullaperiyar dam. Both of these dams were built using surkhi mortar, a traditional blend of limestone and clay. This similarity has apparently fuelled social media narratives, already aggravated by the Wayanad episode.

Meanwhile, the safety of the Mullaperiyar dam became a topic of discussion in Parliament. Just a few days ago, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan addressed concerns over the dam's safety. He reassured the public that fears of an imminent threat are unfounded, emphasising that the government will maintain its current approach on its issue with the Tamil Nadu government.