Chennai, August 20
Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Thursday renewed the State’s demand for a new Mullaperiyar dam, offering to bear the construction cost while assuring Tamil Nadu that its existing water entitlement would remain protected.
Addressing the 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting at Mahabalipuram, Mr. Satheesan said Tamil Nadu could determine the design and location of the proposed dam and supervise its construction. He reiterated Kerala’s position of “water for Tamil Nadu and safety for Kerala.”
The 131-year-old dam is situated in Kerala’s Idukki district but is operated by Tamil Nadu. Water from the reservoir supports agricultural regions in Theni, Madurai, Dindigul, Sivaganga and Ramanathapuram districts.
The dispute resurfaced after Tamil Nadu announced in its Budget on August 5 that it would pursue an increase in the reservoir’s water level. The Supreme Court had permitted the State to raise the level to 142 feet in 2014.
Kerala has opposed any further increase, citing the age of the structure and the potential danger to communities living downstream. It has sought the decommissioning of the existing dam after a replacement is constructed. Tamil Nadu, however, maintains that the dam is safe. The two States also differ over a pending safety audit and the composition of the committee assigned to evaluate the structure.
Mr. Satheesan also sought the support of southern States for Mission Samudra, Kerala’s proposal to develop a maritime economic hub around Vizhinjam. He called for the withdrawal of recent amendments to the Mines and Minerals Act.
He urged the Centre to implement one-third reservation for women in Parliament without increasing the number of seats. Pointing to disparities in healthcare funding, he said Kerala had spent ₹1,493 crore on Ayushman Bharat-KASP last year but received only ₹151 crore from the National Health Authority.
The Chief Minister also sought toll concessions for Kerala State Road Transport Corporation buses, support for the Thalassery–Mysore and Nilambur–Nanjangud railway projects, and Central assistance to tackle coastal erosion.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired the meeting.
