The Honorable Prime Minister of India,
The Honorable Chief Minister of Kerala,
The Honorable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu,
The Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India,
The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Government of India,
The Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India,
The National Disaster Management Authority,
The Central Water Commission,
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority,
The Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority,

Subject: Urgent Need to Decommission the Mullaperiyar Dam Due to Potential Catastrophic Risks

Respected Authorities,

We, the undersigned citizens of India, write to express our grave concern regarding the potential risks posed by the Mullaperiyar Dam, located on the Periyar River in the state of Kerala, and operated by the state of Tamil Nadu. The dam, which was constructed over a century ago, has aged significantly and presents an alarming threat to the lives and livelihoods of millions of people residing downstream.

1. Structural Integrity and Seismic Risks:

The Mullaperiyar Dam was constructed in 1895 using technology and materials that are now considered outdated. The dam's structural integrity has been a matter of concern for several decades, with numerous studies and reports highlighting its vulnerability, especially in the context of seismic activity. The region is classified as a seismic zone, and any significant earthquake could lead to a catastrophic failure of the dam, resulting in unprecedented loss of life and property.

2. Environmental and Ecological Impacts:

The continuous operation of the Mullaperiyar Dam at its current capacity has had adverse environmental and ecological impacts on the surrounding region. The dam's aging structure is not equipped to handle the pressures exerted by the changing climate, including unpredictable rainfall patterns, which could exacerbate the risk of overtopping and structural failure. The potential for ecological devastation in the event of a dam failure is immense, with irreversible damage to the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats.

3. Risk to Human Life and Property:

The downstream areas, particularly in the Idukki district of Kerala, are densely populated and host critical infrastructure, including the Idukki Dam, which is situated just 35 kilometers away from Mullaperiyar. In the event of a breach, the cascading effect could lead to the failure of the Idukki Dam as well, resulting in a humanitarian disaster of unimaginable proportions. The potential loss of lives, homes, and livelihoods is a risk that cannot be ignored.

4. Legal and Inter-State Implications:

The Mullaperiyar Dam has been the subject of legal and political disputes between the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu for many years. While Tamil Nadu relies on the dam for irrigation and drinking water, the safety concerns raised by Kerala have led to a stalemate in decision-making. However, the potential risk to human life transcends state boundaries and necessitates immediate and decisive action by the central government.

5. Need for Immediate Decommissioning and Alternative Solutions:

Given the significant risks associated with the continued operation of the Mullaperiyar Dam, we urge the government to prioritize the safety of the millions of people at risk by initiating the decommissioning of the dam at the earliest. We also request that a comprehensive plan be developed to ensure the continued availability of water resources to the state of Tamil Nadu, including the construction of alternative water storage and distribution systems that do not compromise public safety.

Conclusion:

The potential consequences of inaction are too dire to contemplate. We, therefore, call upon the central and state governments to act with urgency, transparency, and responsibility in addressing the risks associated with the Mullaperiyar Dam. The lives and well-being of millions of citizens depend on your prompt and decisive action.

We request that this petition be taken up on an urgent basis and that the necessary steps be initiated to decommission the Mullaperiyar Dam to avert a potential disaster