Appeal for Precautionary Steps to Safeguard Kerala Residents from Potential catastrophic Mullaperiyar Dam Calamity.

Currently, the people of Kerala confront a formidable disaster for which the present generation holds no responsibility for it. The Mullapperiyar Dam was built in 1895, 129 years back. The chief Architect Er. Thomas Penniquik calculated the life span of the Dam as 50 years. The storage capacity of the Dam is 15 TMC. During Monsoon season, the dam filled with its maximum capacity. The Dam is located in an earthquake prone area. Small-time earthquakes happened in 1989 and 2011, caused some cracks in the dam. The leaks which are founded to be dangerous, which were first noted in 1977.

Construction defects were identified during its inception, and despite being guaranteed for 50 years, the dam has surpassed 128 years without Seismics survey. Built as a single block structure constructed with Calcium Oxide (quicklime), Surki, and hardstone at a height of 53 meters, reaching 1189 feet above sea level in the gravity zone, the dam currently tops the global high-risk list among restricted dams. The dam and its entire  catchment area situate in the State of Kerala. But the entire water is being diverted to the State of Tamil Nadu.

In last 35 years water reached 142 feet in 2014 & 2018. The United Nations reported in 2021 that Mullapperiyar Dam, being Worlds big dams, needs De-commission, because unexpected cloud bursts if happened to form cumulonimbus clouds, uncontrollable torrential rains, earthquakes, and aftershocks have the potential to expedite dam failure. If this occurs amid heavy rainfall, three Kerala districts could be entirely submerged, while three others would face partial inundation with water and mud. Over 50 lakh people, countless species, billions & billions worth property, birds, animals, and nature itself may be at risk of disappearance. The Water Resources Minister of Kerala has submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court, acknowledging the life-threatening threat posed by the Mullaperiyar Dam. Additionally, the Kerala Water Resources Department asserts that the dam is on the brink of becoming a disaster.
To prevent Kerala, renowned as "God's own country," from being recorded in global history as a disaster-stricken land, we must adhere to the ‘Disaster Management Act 2005, Art. 6.2(i) – take such other measures for the prevention of disaster or the mitigation, or preparedness and capacity building for the dealing with the threatening disaster situation or disaster as it may consider necessary’. Art. 22.2(f) evaluate preparedness at all governmental or non-governmental levels to respond to any threatening disaster situation or disaster and give directions, where necessary, for enhancing such preparedness.

The National Disaster Management Authority, along with the Kerala Disaster Management Authorities, should formulate and execute proactive measures to safeguard the lives of Kerala residents amid the looming threat of the Mullaperiyar Dam Disaster. 
The “Save Kerala Team” urges the implementation of the following on behalf of the people of Kerala.
1.    Promptly establish an expert committee and commission a report to comprehend the extent and severity of the imminent Mullaperiyar disaster.
2.    Identify and mark locations where a high-water current could impact in the event of dam failure.
3.    Initiate for an immediate deployment of a satellite monitoring system, ensuring continuous 24-hour surveillance of the Mullaperiyar Dam. This is crucial for implementing preventive measures and generating early alert signals at an early stage to protect the public from a potential catastrophic disaster.
4.    Establish evacuation sites at elevated locations, equipped with first aid medical facilities, essential survival amenities like drinking water, toilets, solar lights, and mobile phone charging facilities. Ensure these sites are situated away from potential water currents and have standby transportation facilities for immediate mobilization of people from danger zones.
5.    The government should provide each household with sufficient water rescue gear, including life jackets. Safety officers should inspect all rescue gear every six months to ensure proper functioning of the same.
6.    Establish a communication link from the satellite monitoring station to all emergency evacuation vehicles upon receiving a disaster alert. Coordinate rescue operations directly from the monitoring station. Deploy standby disaster management teams in all danger zones for immediate action during evacuations.
7.    Teach life-saving techniques and conduct periodic refresher training for the public to equip them with the skills to handle panic situations during a catastrophic dam disaster.
8.    Ensure the life and property of residents     in disaster-prone areas at the government's expense.
9.    The government should relocate children from disaster-prone areas, ensuring their well-being and education to safeguard the generations of elderly people have no hope on their own life residing in danger zones.
10. If it's not feasible to implement the safety measures outlined above for Mullaperiyar Dam, then urgently consider to adopt the actions specified in Article 23-(i) of the Disaster Management Act 2005 to decommission the dam at the earliest. 

Disaster act 2005 Article 23-(i) "construct temporay bridges or other necessary structures and demolish unsafe structures which may be hazardous to public"

The Disaster Management Act of 2005 designates the National and State Disaster Management Authorities as legally responsible for executing the measures proposed by the "Save Kerala Team" addressing the impending catastrophic Mullaperiyar Dam disaster. Therefore, a request is made to the esteemed chairperson of the National Disaster Management Authority to take the initiative in implementing life-saving measures for approximately 50 lakhs people and mitigating the threat for the safety of 1.25 crore people and their property within 6 districts of in Kerala State.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully 
V John Paulose
Secretary,
Save Kerala Team

Copy to:
1.    The Chairperson (The Chief Minister), Kerala State disaster management Authority. OFFICE OF KERALA STATE DISASTER MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY, Observatory Hills, Vikas Bhavan P.O Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – 695033 Email: keralasdma@gmail.com.
2.    KERALA STATE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTRE (KSEOC), Observatory Hills, Vikas Bhavan P.O, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – 695033. Email: seoc.gok@gmail.com.