Honourable Prime Minister of India,

Warm greetings to you. May grace and peace abound through knowledge of the Omnipotent. I extend my sincere wishes for your continued good health and a long, joyous life.

I compose this petition with profound concern, deep disappointment, and a sense of anguish. Currently residing with my family, comprising my wife and children, amid a community of four million residents, alongside a million migrant labourers from across India, we find ourselves beneath the shadow of a dam that has endured for over a century—the Mullaperiyar Dam, encompassing 15 TMC water over 4668 Acres of land.

The persistent legal dispute between the governments of Kerala and Tamil Nadu over this dam has created ongoing tension within our Federal structure. The political manoeuvring, exploiting the sentiments of our people, adds an additional layer of complexity to what is fundamentally an ecological, economic, and humanitarian concern. Beyond the realm of provincial politics, the 152 feet reservoir of the dam represents a critical issue demanding urgent attention.

This issue transcends politics; it is a potential ecological, economic, and human catastrophe. The impact extends beyond human life, threatening the entire ecosystem in the vicinity if the dam continues without addressing the inherent risks.

The repercussions of a disaster looming over the region are severe—over a hundred thousand people situated between the dam and the Idukki reservoir, along with more than four million people in the lower reaches of Periyar, Azhutha, Meenachilar, Pamba, and Manimalayar rivers across five districts, face the risk of drowning. This would not only result in the loss of millions of lives but also devastate housing properties and agricultural fields, leading to an inestimable financial loss.

The historical context of the dam adds another layer of complexity, with its unusual 999-year agreement made between the British Secretary of State and His Highness the Visakham Thirunal Marthandavarma, the then King of Travancore. Such agreements made during British rule have typically been nullified post-independence, yet the continued impact on the people of Kerala underscores a lingering injustice.

Adding to the urgency is the age and condition of the dam, surpassing a century and exhibiting signs of deterioration. Unlike contemporary dams that have been decommissioned or demolished, the Mullaperiyar Dam stands as a testament to outdated construction materials and methods. Various forms of damage, including leakage, seepage, and structural issues, are apparent, making any rectification attempts futile. The report relied upon by the Honorable Supreme Court in the Mullaperiyar Dam case is deemed misguiding, unscientific, and baseless, considering the evident vulnerabilities.

It's noteworthy that the Honorable Supreme Court itself acknowledged the concerns of the people, as indicated in a writ petition filed by Adv. Russel Joy.

Equally significant is the impending danger faced by the people of Tamil Nadu in five districts. The potential consequences of a dam burst are unimaginably severe, and the construction of a new dam post-collapse is practically impossible under existing laws. The progressive changes in laws since the dam's construction further complicate the situation, potentially leaving the people of Tamil Nadu in a more precarious state than before.

In light of these critical facts and with the well-being of the people of Kerala and Tamil Nadu in mind, I earnestly implore the Honourable Prime Minister to urgently intervene. A collaborative order, in consensus with the States of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, for the construction of a new dam is imperative to rectify the historical injustice and ensure the safety of the people of Kerala while providing water security for our neighbouring state.