IDUKKI | September 3, 2026: Kerala has urged the Supreme Court-appointed expert panel conducting the comprehensive safety evaluation of the Mullaperiyar Dam to strictly follow the Terms of Reference (ToR) finalised in August 2025, raising concerns over whether a limited inspection would be sufficient to assess the safety of the 130-year-old structure.
The demand came after the expert panel recently completed the first phase of its field inspection of the dam complex. The team examined the main dam, baby dam, earthen dam and spillway, while also reviewing submissions from both Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Kerala has called for a more comprehensive technical assessment covering four key areas: hydrological or flood safety, structural safety, seismic safety and seepage-related instrumentation. State representatives have expressed concern about preparing a comprehensive safety report based largely on a single day’s field inspection.
The state has also sought the use of modern technological systems for further examinations. The expert committee has indicated that the request can be considered, according to Kerala government representatives.
The present evaluation follows a 2022 Supreme Court directive for a fresh comprehensive safety assessment of Mullaperiyar. Kerala had submitted its report concerning the scope of the assessment in August 2025 and is insisting that the ongoing review should take that submission into account.
The panel’s initial inspection examined possible cracks, fractures, erosion and deterioration in the dam structures. It also assessed seismic vulnerability, the dam’s ability to withstand earthquakes, earthquake-monitoring equipment and the operational condition of the spillway gates.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu has maintained its position that the Mullaperiyar Dam is safe, highlighting the continuing differences between the two states over the dam’s safety and future. Kerala, however, continues to press for a detailed assessment and has also maintained its demand for a new dam.
The comprehensive safety assessment committee is expected to prepare a technical report following its evaluation and submit it to the National Dam Safety Authority, with the findings also being shared with the Kerala and Tamil Nadu governments.
