Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 6 — The long-simmering Mullaperiyar dam dispute has once again moved to the centre of Kerala-Tamil Nadu relations after the Tamil Nadu government announced in its Budget that it would pursue raising the dam's water level, prompting Kerala to seek fresh talks while reiterating its uncompromising demand for a new dam.
Responding to the Budget announcement, Kerala Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph said the state would initiate discussions with the Tamil Nadu government and would explore the possibility of a meeting between the Chief Ministers of the two states.
Describing Tamil Nadu's declaration as unfortunate, the minister maintained that Kerala's position on the contentious issue remains unchanged.
The development comes against the backdrop of growing disappointment in Kerala over the absence of any political breakthrough during the 2021-26 tenure of the previous Left government.
There had been considerable expectations that the personal rapport and political proximity between then Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his Tamil Nadu counterpart M.K. Stalin, both key leaders of the INDIA bloc, would help create an atmosphere conducive to resolving one of South India's most sensitive inter-state disputes.
However, despite several meetings between the two leaders on various issues, the Mullaperiyar question remained largely untouched.
Reiterating Kerala's stand, Mons Joseph said the Mullaperiyar dam has not undergone the comprehensive safety evaluations that the state has consistently demanded.
The existing water level of 142 feet is being maintained strictly under Supreme Court directions, and neither Kerala nor Tamil Nadu has the authority to alter it independently, he said.
Kerala believes that any proposal to modify the storage level should be considered only by the Supreme Court after examining the concerns and submissions of both states.
The minister also reaffirmed that the state's long-standing demand for the construction of a new dam remains non-negotiable.
The Tamil Nadu Budget stated that the government would pursue raising the Mullaperiyar water level in accordance with existing agreements, tribunal awards and judicial directions.
It also pledged to safeguard the state's water rights, accelerate the Anamalayar and Nallur dam projects, oppose projects such as Mekedatu that could affect Tamil Nadu's interests, and fast-track the Godavari-Cauvery river-linking project.
The latest exchange signals that the politically sensitive Mullaperiyar issue, dormant in recent years, could once again emerge as a major flashpoint in relations between the two neighbouring states.