Kerala to Move Supreme Court for Detailed Mullaperiyar Dam Safety Inspection
Idukki | November 2, 2026
The Kerala Government has decided to approach the Supreme Court to ensure the implementation of its 2024 judgment permitting a detailed safety inspection of the Mullaperiyar Dam in Idukki district. The move is aimed at expediting the comprehensive assessment of the 131-year-old dam amid continuing concerns over its structural safety and the long-standing water-sharing dispute between Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Announcing the decision on November 2, Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph said the state would file a special petition before the Supreme Court seeking enforcement of the earlier judgment. Senior advocate Mohan V. Kattarki has been appointed as the lead counsel to represent Kerala in the matter.
The state government will also seek the Centre's active intervention to help resolve the dispute with Tamil Nadu. The minister stated that Kerala had already informed the Supreme Court that it had fulfilled the conditions stipulated by the court concerning the Baby Dam.
Safety Assessment of 22 Dams by December 31
Alongside the Mullaperiyar issue, the minister announced a wider dam safety initiative covering 22 dams under the Irrigation Department and the Kerala Water Authority. A comprehensive safety assessment of these dams is scheduled to be completed by December 31, 2026.
The initiative forms part of the state's broader efforts to strengthen dam safety monitoring and improve water resource management.
Kerala Plans Comprehensive Water Policy
The government is also planning a major restructuring of the Water Resources Department and the Kerala Water Authority to improve drinking water supply, irrigation facilities and overall water management.
According to the minister, a comprehensive state water policy is being formulated by bringing different wings of the Water Resources Department under a common framework. The policy is expected to be announced in early 2027.
A Kerala Water Conclave is also scheduled to take place in Thiruvananthapuram during the first week of December 2026, bringing together experts and officials to discuss water management and related challenges.
Dam and Canal Infrastructure to Be Developed for Tourism
In another announcement, the government plans to improve selected dam sites and canal networks and develop suitable locations as tourism destinations. Renovation of canals, improvement of surrounding areas and better utilisation of government-owned properties are among the proposed initiatives.
The plans also include identifying and addressing encroachments on departmental land through asset mapping.
The latest developments place the Mullaperiyar Dam issue back in focus, particularly for Idukki district, where the reservoir and its surrounding areas are closely connected to water management, environmental protection and the livelihoods of local communities.
The proposed Supreme Court petition is expected to be an important step in Kerala's continuing efforts to secure a detailed safety assessment of the dam while pursuing a resolution to the long-standing dispute with Tamil Nadu.
