Mullai periyar dam

The Mullai Periyar Dam is a significant and controversial dam located in the state of Kerala, India. Here are some key points about the Mullai Periyar Dam:
1. **Location**: The dam is situated on the Periyar River in the Idukki district of Kerala, near Thekkady. It creates the Periyar Lake, which is part of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
2. **History**: The dam was constructed between 1887 and 1895 by the British under a lease agreement between the princely state of Travancore (now part of Kerala) and the Madras Presidency (now Tamil Nadu). The agreement allowed Tamil Nadu to operate the dam and use its water for irrigation.
3. **Purpose**: The primary purpose of the dam is to divert water from the Periyar River to the dry regions of Tamil Nadu, particularly for irrigation in the Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Sivaganga, and Ramanathapuram districts.
4. **Controversy**: The dam has been a subject of dispute between Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Kerala has raised concerns about the dam's safety due to its age and the potential risk of earthquakes in the region. Tamil Nadu, on the other hand, insists that the dam is safe and essential for its irrigation needs.
5. **Capacity and Structure**: The dam is a masonry gravity dam, standing 53.6 meters (176 feet) tall and 365.7 meters (1,200 feet) long. It has a reservoir capacity of about 443.23 million cubic meters.
6. **Legal and Political Issues**: The dispute over the dam has led to several legal battles, with the Supreme Court of India intervening at various points to resolve issues related to water level management and safety measures.
7. **Tourism**: The Periyar Lake and the surrounding Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary are popular tourist destinations. The lake offers boating facilities, and the sanctuary is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including elephants, tigers, and various bird species.
The Mullai Periyar Dam remains a vital infrastructure project for Tamil Nadu's irrigation but continues to be a point of contention with Kerala regarding its safety and water management.