Thiruvananthapuram: Congress MP from Idukki Dean Kuriakose has alleged that Kerala has been unfairly sidelined in the long-standing Mullaperiyar dam dispute. The controversy follows the sudden removal of the state's representative from a high-level safety evaluation panel, prompting Kuriakose to seek the Centre's immediate intervention.


Unilateral removal sparks outrage

The state's representative, T K Sivarajan, was recently removed from the five-member Comprehensive Dam Safety Evaluation Committee (CDSEC). The committee was constituted under the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) specifically to assess the safety parameters of the Mullaperiyar dam.

According to Kuriakose, Sivarajan had been officially selected from a three-member panel submitted by the Kerala government. He alleged that the removal was executed unilaterally without any consultation or prior notification to the state.

"This is unacceptable and against the spirit of federalism. Kerala's representative has been removed unilaterally after due procedures had already been followed," the Idukki MP stated.


Appeals to the Union Ministry

In response to the developments, Kuriakose has written an urgent letter to Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil, requesting a swift intervention to restore Kerala's voice on the safety panel. State Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph has also formally registered Kerala's strong objections with the Central Government, demanding Sivarajan's immediate reinstatement.

 

Escalating inter-state tensions

The safety of the 130-year-old masonry dam remains a deeply sensitive issue between neighbours.

 

Kerala's stance: The state firmly advocates for the construction of a decommissioning plan and a new dam downstream, citing the potential catastrophic risk to lakhs of lives across five downstream districts.

Tamil Nadu's take: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay recently opposed the construction of a new structure, pushing instead to raise the storage water levels further.

Kuriakose described Tamil Nadu's position as "disappointing”, emphasising that public safety must override political and operational considerations, and urged the Kerala Legislative Assembly to collectively raise the issue with New Delhi.


PTI