Preserve Mullaperiyar Dam and Protect Kerala
Preserve Mullaperiyar Dam and Protect Kerala
The Issue
We, the residents of Idukki, understand the heart-wrenching pain of losing our homes and surroundings to natural disasters due to the instability of the Mullaperiyar Dam. Our lives are constantly disrupted with fear and distress due to the vulnerability of the dam. We urge the concerned authorities to take immediate action to ensure the safety and preservation of the Mullaperiyar Dam for the protection of our homes, livelihoods, and the biodiverse ecology of Kerala.
The Mullaperiyar Dam was constructed back in 1895 and has exceeded its service life of about 50 years, posing a significant threat to the communities living downstream. In a 2012 report from the Empowered Committee, it was made clear that the dam would not sustain a maximum credible accident, including an earthquake (Empowered Committee Report, 2012). This puts the lives and homes of over 3 million people living in Idukki and other downstream districts at risk.
The preservation of the Mullaperiyar Dam is not just about the safety of the people but also about conserving the unique ecological diversity of Kerala - home to 25% of India's total plant species (Kerala Tourism Report, 2018). Failure of the dam would cause irreversible damage to this rich biodiversity.
Through this petition, we call upon the Central Water Commission and the Government of Kerala to seriously address the issue surrounding the Mullaperiyar dam's safety and take steps in ensuring its preservation and our protection. We hope for a secure and sustainable future for ourselves, our children, and for the unique ecosystem of Kerala. Add your voice to our plea - sign the petition.
2
The Issue
We, the residents of Idukki, understand the heart-wrenching pain of losing our homes and surroundings to natural disasters due to the instability of the Mullaperiyar Dam. Our lives are constantly disrupted with fear and distress due to the vulnerability of the dam. We urge the concerned authorities to take immediate action to ensure the safety and preservation of the Mullaperiyar Dam for the protection of our homes, livelihoods, and the biodiverse ecology of Kerala.
The Mullaperiyar Dam was constructed back in 1895 and has exceeded its service life of about 50 years, posing a significant threat to the communities living downstream. In a 2012 report from the Empowered Committee, it was made clear that the dam would not sustain a maximum credible accident, including an earthquake (Empowered Committee Report, 2012). This puts the lives and homes of over 3 million people living in Idukki and other downstream districts at risk.
The preservation of the Mullaperiyar Dam is not just about the safety of the people but also about conserving the unique ecological diversity of Kerala - home to 25% of India's total plant species (Kerala Tourism Report, 2018). Failure of the dam would cause irreversible damage to this rich biodiversity.
Through this petition, we call upon the Central Water Commission and the Government of Kerala to seriously address the issue surrounding the Mullaperiyar dam's safety and take steps in ensuring its preservation and our protection. We hope for a secure and sustainable future for ourselves, our children, and for the unique ecosystem of Kerala. Add your voice to our plea - sign the petition.
2
Petition created on 7 August 2024