Upputhara (Idukki): The Mullaperiyar Samara Samiti, the protest forum known for its mobilisation efforts concerning the Mullaperiyar dam, is set to resume its campaign. This decision follows recent landslides in Wayanad that have rekindled fears of a potential dam burst.

The forum plans to launch a public protest demanding the decommissioning of the Mullaperiyar dam. The central committee of the forum will determine the form of protest and its future course in a meeting scheduled for August 15. Ahead of this, the committee has been reorganised. A 51-member central committee has been elected, led by Shaji P. Joseph (Chairman), Sibi Muthumakkuzhi (General Convener), and P.D. Joseph (Treasurer).

The forum was originally formed in 2006 by residents along the Periyar River in response to a Supreme Court verdict permitting an increase in the water level of the Mullaperiyar dam. Although the intensity of the forum's activities decreased as the Mullaperiyar issue subsided, the forum continued to conduct programmes and campaigns annually, advocating for a new dam.

The forum intends to persist with protests and legal battles until a permanent solution to the Mullaperiyar issue is found. Their demands include:

  • An examination of the weakened condition of the aging dam by a committee including international experts.
  • The central and state governments to seriously consider the recent Wayanad disaster, the failure of the Tungabhadra Dam in Karnataka, unexpected cloudbursts, and the potential for an earthquake.

Meanwhile, the Kerala government reassured the public on Monday of its commitment to addressing safety concerns regarding the over 125-year-old dam, which has come under scrutiny following recent devastating landslides in Wayanad.

In a review meeting held at the collectorate, State Irrigation Minister Roshy Augustine acknowledged the growing public apprehension and pledged to raise the matter with the central government as part of measures to alleviate concerns.

"The government stands with the people regarding the safety of the Mullaperiyar Dam," Augustine said. He added that Kerala's demand for a new dam at Mullaperiyar is a unified one, transcending party politics. 

With PTI inputs