New Delhi: The Supreme Court has stated that the concern about a security threat to the 135-year-old Mullaperiyar Dam is merely a worry and not a real issue. This observation was made while hearing a petition seeking to ensure the safety of the Mullaperiyar Dam. The remarks came from a bench comprising Justices Rishikesh Roy and S.V.N. Bhatti.
“We have worked in Kerala, where the Mullaperiyar Dam, which is said to have a security threat, is located. The dam has withstood 135 years of time and several monsoon seasons. We express our gratitude with pride to those who built the dam,” the division bench observed.
The cases related to the Mullaperiyar Dam have been transferred to a three-judge bench led by Justice Surya Kant. The court clarified that all petitions related to the dam’s safety would also be considered by this three-judge bench. Kerala’s counsel urged the court to take up the safety-related petition urgently.
Another bench had earlier scheduled the Mullaperiyar case for 2027. Kerala’s counsel pointed out that this case affects the lives of 1.5 million people and added that the dam was originally estimated to have a lifespan of 50 years. He also noted that the monsoon season is approaching.
In response, the court questioned how many monsoons the dam has endured since its construction. Justice Rishikesh Roy remarked that during two monsoon seasons, when there was fear about the dam’s collapse, he was serving in the Kerala High Court. He added that the dam has survived 2.5 times its estimated lifespan, addressing the concerns raised by Kerala. The court emphasized that the issue primarily stems from public anxiety rather than actual danger.
