Thiruvananthapuram: In response to the growing concerns about the safety of the Mullaperiyar dam, which were heightened by the recent landslides in Wayanad, Irrigation Minister Roshy Augustine reiterated Kerala’s firm stance on the issue. He stated that Kerala would not withdraw its demand for a new dam to replace Mullaperiyar. “The state government is also exploring the possibility of reaching a consensus through discussions with Tamil Nadu,” he added.

Speaking to Mathrubhumi on Friday, Minister Augustine addressed the alarm raised by Dean Kuriakose MP, who described the Mullaperiyar dam as a ‘water bomb’. Augustine emphasised that the Chief Minister had clearly articulated Kerala’s position in the assembly. “We want a new dam, as stated by the Chief Minister in the assembly. The government will not waver from this demand,” he said.

“The case is currently pending before the Supreme Court. The court has begun to view the situation from our perspective, acknowledging that our concerns are valid. We are exploring the feasibility of constructing a new dam while ensuring water supply for Tamil Nadu. We are also looking into the possibility of reaching an amicable settlement outside of court,” Augustine said.

He further addressed concerns about dam safety, saying, “Is there any construction in Kerala that can withstand the impact of earthquakes as effectively as we would like? Besides Mullaperiyar and Idukki, there are other dams in Kerala as well. Had we been aware of the Wayanad landslide 15 days ago, we could have taken various precautionary measures. Such events often occur suddenly. There is no need for undue worry.”

“If the water from Mullaperiyar were to be released, it would flow into the Idukki dam. There is no need for concern about this. However, if water from the Idukki dam were released, it could cause severe waterlogging in Ernakulam. Therefore, we need to establish a comprehensive dam management plan to address such issues,” the minister added.

Earlier, Dean Kuriakose MP had called for central government intervention, expressing concerns about the safety of the 130-year-old dam and the risk it poses to people living nearby. The issue has also been raised in the Rajya Sabha, with IUML leader Haris Beeran MP urging the government to conduct a thorough inspection of Mullaperiyar's structural integrity. Beeran argued that if the dam is found to be insecure, Kerala’s demand for a new dam should be acknowledged.