The Supreme Court on Monday indicated that specific directions might be necessary to ensure the structural safety of the 130-year-old Mullaperiyar dam in Kerala amid long-standing concerns about its stability. The court also issued notices to the Centre, Tamil Nadu and Kerala governments and the NDMA on a PIL filed by the NGO, Save Kerala Brigade, which sought decommissioning of the dam and construction of a new one.

A bench comprising Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran suggested that an expert body examine the safety aspects and assess the feasibility of constructing a new structure. “Some directions may be needed for strengthening the existing dam,” the bench observed.

Built in 1895 across the Periyar River in Kerala’s Idukki district, the Mullaperiyar dam is operated by Tamil Nadu under a lease agreement, reported PTI. Kerala has repeatedly raised concerns over its age, seismic vulnerability, and exposure to excessive floods, warning of risks to nearly 10 million people living downstream. Tamil Nadu, however, emphasises the dam’s critical role in providing irrigation and drinking water to several southern districts.

Senior advocate V Giri, appearing for the petitioner, submitted that the dam poses a serious threat to lives and property and urged the Court to direct the construction of a new dam. The plea calls for a multidisciplinary expert evaluation, including national and international experts, and interim measures such as reducing the reservoir level. It also seeks a detailed dam safety reassessment, along with a plan for decommissioning or reconstruction if required.