Editor's Pick: Centre presents before SC an interim plan for Mullaperiyar dam

The Centre on Tuesday suggested to the Supreme Court to let the Mullaperiyar dam supervisory committee continue for a year, by which time the National Dam Safety Authority under the new Dam Safety Act will become fully functional. “During the period of one year, when the national Dam Safety Authority becomes fully functional, the supervisory committee on Mullaperiyar Dam may continue its functioning as per the existing mandate in regulating the operations of the dam,” a note submitted by the Centre, represented by Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, said. The Dam Safety Act of 2021 has come as a panacea to end the prolonged and bitter legal battle over Mullaperiyar dam between Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The 2021 Act comprehensively provides for the surveillance inspection, operation and maintenance to prevent disasters caused by dams. The Centre suggested that the Chief Secretaries of Tamil Nadu and Kerala be made accountable in order to ensure that the decisions of the supervisory committee on the maintenance and safety of the dam are duly complied with by the two States. The Centre has also recommended that the chief secretaries of both the States should nominate people with expertise to address technical concerns of both states. A Bench led by Justice A M Khanwilkar gave Kerala and Tamil Nadu time till Thursday to study the proposal made by the Centre and respond to it. Kerala and Tamil Nadu have been trading allegations against each other over the safety of the Mullaperiyar Dam. While Kerala claims the 126-year-old dam is unsafe and a threat to thousands of people living downstream, Tamil Nadu argues that the dam is so strong that it can withstand an increase in height to 152 feet. There have been recurrent concerns about safety of the Mullaperiyar Dam and periodic supervision of water levels, especially during monsoons in Kerala. Located in Kerala, the water body is operated and maintained by Tamil Nadu to meet the requirements of five of its parched southern districts. Tamil Nadu has been mindful of the water level while taking out its share. The report on the interim plan is the lead in The Hindu for the stakes involved here as well as the hope it holds out for an end to the prolonged dispute between the two states. Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Head over to our newsletter subscription page to sign up for Editor‘s Pick and more. Click here The Hindu’s Editorials At a crossroads: On Sri Lanka’s economic recovery In the middle: On India’s role in Russia-Ukraine crisis The Hindu’s Daily Quiz The IPCC on Monday identified which sector in India to need a major revamp to limit global warming? 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[Arrow]( [Open in browser]( [Mail icon]( [More newsletters]( Centre presents before SC an interim plan for Mullaperiyar dam The Centre on Tuesday suggested to the Supreme Court to let the [Mullaperiyar dam supervisory committee continue for a year]( by which time the National Dam Safety Authority under the [new Dam Safety Act]( will become fully functional. “During the period of one year, when the national Dam Safety Authority becomes fully functional, the supervisory committee on Mullaperiyar Dam may continue its functioning as per the existing mandate in regulating the operations of the dam,” a note submitted by the Centre, represented by Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, said. The Dam Safety Act of 2021 has come as a [panacea to end the prolonged and bitter legal battle]( over Mullaperiyar dam between Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The 2021 Act comprehensively provides for the surveillance inspection, operation and maintenance to prevent disasters caused by dams. The Centre suggested that the Chief Secretaries of Tamil Nadu and Kerala be made accountable in order to ensure that the decisions of the supervisory committee on the maintenance and safety of the dam are duly complied with by the two States. The Centre has also recommended that the chief secretaries of both the States should nominate people with expertise to address technical concerns of both states. A Bench led by Justice A M Khanwilkar gave Kerala and Tamil Nadu time till Thursday to study the proposal made by the Centre and respond to it. Kerala and Tamil Nadu have been trading allegations against each other over the safety of the Mullaperiyar Dam. While Kerala claims the 126-year-old dam is unsafe and a threat to thousands of people living downstream, Tamil Nadu argues that the dam is so strong that it can withstand an increase in height to 152 feet. There have been recurrent concerns about safety of the Mullaperiyar Dam and periodic supervision of water levels, especially during monsoons in Kerala. Located in Kerala, the water body is operated and maintained by Tamil Nadu to meet the requirements of five of its parched southern districts. Tamil Nadu has been mindful of the water level while taking out its share.  The report on the interim plan is the lead in The Hindu for the stakes involved here as well as the hope it holds out for an end to the prolonged dispute between the two states. Was this newsletter forwarded to you? 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