Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government will approach the Supreme Court to ensure that its 2024 judgment allowing a detailed safety inspection of the Mullaperiyar dam is implemented, Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph said on Monday.

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The state will file a special petition in the apex court, with senior advocate Mohan V Kattarki appointed as the lead counsel, the minister said at a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram.

Kerala will also seek the Centre's intervention to resolve its long-standing dispute with Tamil Nadu over the dam. On the Baby Dam issue, Joseph said the state had already informed the Supreme Court that it had fulfilled the conditions stipulated by the court.

Alongside the legal steps on Mullaperiyar, the government is planning a comprehensive overhaul of the Water Resources Department and the Kerala Water Authority, with the objective of improving drinking water supply, irrigation and water resource management.

Joseph said a comprehensive water policy would be framed by bringing the different wings of the Water Resources Department under a common framework. The policy is expected to be announced in early 2027.

"The aim is to make the Water Resources Department and the Water Authority more people-friendly and efficient," the minister said.

As part of the reform initiative, a Kerala Water Conclave will be organised in Thiruvananthapuram during the first week of December. Experts, including international disaster management specialist Muralee Thummarukudy, are expected to take part.

Reducing drinking water losses in the state capital is among the government's immediate priorities. Nearly 50 per cent of the water pumped from Aruvikkara is lost before it reaches consumers, Joseph said.

A pilot project will use new technology to identify the causes of the loss and detect leakages. The technology will be extended to other parts of the state if the pilot proves successful.

The government is also examining the feasibility of establishing desalination plants along the coast to convert seawater into drinking water.

It will explore technologies from abroad to process the large quantities of water hyacinth growing in Kuttanad and Upper Kuttanad and convert the invasive plant into value-added products. An expert committee has been constituted to study the proposals and suggest appropriate measures.

The government also intends to develop dam sites and canal networks as tourism destinations by upgrading facilities and making better use of land owned by the Irrigation Department and the Water Authority.

"Dam and canal renovation will be taken up as a separate project," Joseph said.

The proposed initiative includes repairing canals, improving their surroundings and developing suitable stretches for irrigation tourism. Water tank premises, dam sites and other properties belonging to the departments will also be renovated and maintained for public use.

The closed Malampuzha garden will be renovated and reopened at the earliest, the minister said. The government will also complete the mapping of departmental land within six months to identify encroachments and prevent the loss of public property. Action will be taken against those occupying government land illegally.

As part of efforts to strengthen dam safety, a comprehensive assessment of 22 dams under the Irrigation Department and the Water Authority will be completed by December 31.

The state is also taking steps to accelerate projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission. Discussions will be held with the Union Jal Shakti Ministry to secure nearly Rs 8,000 crore in pending funds from the Centre, Joseph said.

A significant portion of the dues to contractors has already been cleared using a Rs 7,000-crore loan secured from NABARD, he added.

The government will also roll out a Rs 4,000-crore coastal protection project with assistance from the Asian Development Bank. Besides the ongoing works at Chellanam and Pozhiyoor, 10 major coastal hotspots have been identified for protection.

The restoration of Shanghumugham Beach in Thiruvananthapuram is also under consideration, the minister said.