Thiruvananthapuram: The long-running Mullaperiyar dam dispute has once again come to the forefront 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 firm 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 explore the possibility of a meeting between the Chief Ministers of the two states.
Calling Tamil Nadu's declaration unfortunate, the minister said Kerala's stand on the contentious issue remains unchanged.
The development comes amid growing disappointment in Kerala over the lack of any political breakthrough during the 2021–26 tenure of the previous Left government.
There had been expectations that the personal rapport and political proximity between former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, both senior leaders of the INDIA bloc, would help create a conducive atmosphere for resolving one of South India's most sensitive inter-state disputes.
However, despite several meetings between the two leaders on various issues, the Mullaperiyar dispute remained largely unaddressed.
Reaffirming Kerala's position, Mons Joseph said the Mullaperiyar dam has not undergone the comprehensive safety assessments consistently sought by the state.
He noted that the existing water level of 142 feet is being maintained strictly under Supreme Court directions, and that neither Kerala nor Tamil Nadu has the authority to alter it independently.
According to the minister, any proposal to change the storage level should be considered only by the Supreme Court after examining the concerns and submissions of both states.
He also reiterated that Kerala's long-standing demand for the construction of a new dam remains non-negotiable.
In its Budget, the Tamil Nadu government said it would continue efforts to raise the Mullaperiyar dam's water level in accordance with existing agreements, tribunal awards and judicial directions.
The Budget also pledged to safeguard the state's water rights, expedite 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 indicates that the politically sensitive Mullaperiyar issue, which had remained relatively dormant in recent years, could once again emerge as a major flashpoint in relations between the two neighbouring states.
With IANS inputs