The Mullaperiyar Dam is a gravity dam located on the Periyar River in the Indian state of Kerala. Completed in 1895, it is one of the oldest dams in India and has been a source of contention between Kerala and neighboring Tamil Nadu for decades.
The dam was constructed by the British during their rule in India. The project was initially proposed in 1887 to divert water from the Periyar River to the Vaigai River in Tamil Nadu, thereby increasing irrigation capacity in that state.
The construction of the dam began in 1888 and was completed in 1895. The dam has a height of 53.6 m (176 ft) and a length of 365.8 m (1,200 ft). It impounds the Mullaperiyar Reservoir, which has a capacity of 4.44 billion cubic meters (157 billion cubic feet).
The safety of the Mullaperiyar Dam has been a major concern since its construction. The dam is located in a seismically active zone and has experienced several earthquakes over the years. In 1979, a major earthquake caused significant damage to the dam, leading to fears that it could collapse.
In subsequent years, several studies have been conducted to assess the safety of the dam. These studies have found that the dam is at risk of failure due to several factors, including:
The Mullaperiyar Dam has been a source of controversy between the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu for many years. Kerala, which lies downstream of the dam, fears that a dam failure could cause catastrophic flooding and loss of life. Tamil Nadu, on the other hand, relies on the water from the dam for irrigation and opposes any efforts to decommission or modify it.
The controversy has led to several legal battles between the two states. In 2014, the Supreme Court of India ruled that the dam was safe and could continue to operate. However, the Kerala government continues to demand that the dam be decommissioned or at least strengthened to make it more resistant to earthquakes.
There are several common mistakes to avoid when discussing the Mullaperiyar Dam:
Decommissioning the Mullaperiyar Dam would have both pros and cons.
Pros:
Cons:
1. Is the Mullaperiyar Dam safe?
The dam has been found to be at risk of failure by several independent studies.
2. Why is the dam a source of conflict between Kerala and Tamil Nadu?
Kerala fears that a dam failure could cause catastrophic flooding and loss of life. Tamil Nadu, on the other hand, relies on the water from the dam for irrigation and opposes any efforts to decommission or modify it.
3. What is the future of the dam?
The future of the dam is uncertain. The Kerala government continues to demand that the dam be decommissioned or strengthened, while Tamil Nadu opposes any such measures.
4. What are the pros and cons of decommissioning the dam?
Pros:
Cons:
5. What are the alternatives to decommissioning the dam?
There are several alternatives to decommissioning the dam, including:
6. What is being done to address the safety concerns about the dam?
The Central Water Commission of India is currently implementing a dam safety improvement project to strengthen the dam and reduce the risk of failure.
The Mullaperiyar Dam is a complex and controversial issue with no easy solutions. It is important to understand the history, safety concerns, and political complexities surrounding the dam in order to make informed decisions about its future.
If you are concerned about the safety of the Mullaperiyar Dam, you can take the following actions:
Table 1: Key Facts About the Mullaperiyar Dam
Feature | Value |
---|---|
Height | 53.6 m (176 ft) |
Length | 365.8 m (1,200 ft) |
Capacity | 4.44 billion cubic meters (157 billion cubic feet) |
Year of completion | 1895 |
Table 2: Earthquakes Near the Mullaperiyar Dam
Date | Magnitude | Location |
---|---|---|
January 26, 1951 | 6.1 | Kottayam, Kerala |
November 12, 1964 | 5.8 | Theni, Tamil Nadu |
October 22, 1979 | 5.6 | Idukki, Kerala |
September 18, 1980 | 5.5 | Koothattukulam, Kerala |
Table 3: Pros and Cons of Decommissioning the Mullaperiyar Dam
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Reduced risk of dam failure | Loss of irrigation water |
Protection of the environment | Cost of decommissioning |
Improved relations between Kerala and Tamil Nadu | Uncertainty about the future |
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