Chennai: For the first time in 35 years, the water storage in the Mullaperiyar dam has crossed 136 feet. The rise in level follows the Supreme Court order in May this year allowing Tamil Nadu to raise the water level to 142 feet. The top court had also struck down a law passed by Kerala to restrict storage.
Though the dam is in Kerala, a lease agreement signed during the British rule with the then Maharaja of Travancore gave rights over the waters for 999 years to irrigate the parched southern Tamil Nadu.
Since the late seventies, storage in the dam was restricted after Kerala said the 120-year-old dam is weak and could endanger lives. However, after a long, legal battle, the Supreme Court found the 152-feet-high dam to be strong enough.
The Supreme Court-appointed three-member committee that inspected the dam yesterday gave specific instruction to Tamil Nadu officials on release of water. LAV Natha, chairman of the Committee, said "Two gates were not operational, however, Tamil Nadu authorities say they can manage any eventuality with other gates. If there's a two feet rise on a single day, they should release water and there should not be any sudden discharge."
The rise in water level has given farmers in Tamil Nadu a reason to cheer. Moorthy, a farmer outside Madurai, says, "our paddy cultivation has been reduced to a single crop. Now we can revive it. The waters would develop the overall rural economy."
Another farmer Kalyanam said, "Kerala should be happy too. We send most of our produce to Kerala only."
Pennycuick, a Scottish Engineer, built the Mullaperiyar Dam by selling his fortune back home; he was moved by the plight of farmers in the drought prone southern districts of Tamil Nadu.
Though the dam is in Kerala, a lease agreement signed during the British rule with the then Maharaja of Travancore gave rights over the waters for 999 years to irrigate the parched southern Tamil Nadu.
Since the late seventies, storage in the dam was restricted after Kerala said the 120-year-old dam is weak and could endanger lives. However, after a long, legal battle, the Supreme Court found the 152-feet-high dam to be strong enough.
The rise in water level has given farmers in Tamil Nadu a reason to cheer. Moorthy, a farmer outside Madurai, says, "our paddy cultivation has been reduced to a single crop. Now we can revive it. The waters would develop the overall rural economy."
Advertisement
Pennycuick, a Scottish Engineer, built the Mullaperiyar Dam by selling his fortune back home; he was moved by the plight of farmers in the drought prone southern districts of Tamil Nadu.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Kerala Sounds Flood Warning As Mullaperiyar Dam Water Reaches Maximum Limit Heavy Rains Continue In Kerala, Water In Some Dams Reach Red Alert Levels Mullaperiyar Dam's Safety Requires Immediate Attention: Supreme Court In Massive Row Over Karnataka 100% Quota Bill, Chief Minister Deletes Post "I Divorce You... Your Ex-Wife": Dubai Princess Dumps Husband In Insta Post 25,000 Aspirants For Jobs Paying Rs 22,000: A Mumbai Stampede Scare Viral Sensation Leaves Internet Speechless With Youthful Looks At 58 Bengaluru Restaurant's "Dirt Cheap" Prices Have Stunned Internet. See Post How A Small-Town Kannadiga Brought India Its 1st Miss Universe Petite Crown Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.