Current Context
Water was released from Mettur Dam for irrigation in the Cauvery delta, highlighting its importance for Tamil Nadu’s agriculture.
Mettur Dam
Geographical and Economic Significance
- Location: Mettur Dam is located in Salem district of Tamil Nadu and is constructed across the Cauvery River.
- Reservoir: The dam forms the Stanley Reservoir, which is an important water-storage reservoir in the Cauvery basin.
- Construction: The dam was completed in 1934 and became an important component of Tamil Nadu’s irrigation infrastructure.
- Irrigation: Water released from Mettur supports agriculture in the Cauvery delta, particularly during the cultivation season.
- Hydropower: The dam also supports hydroelectric power generation, making it important for both irrigation and energy security.
- Water regulation: The reservoir helps regulate the availability of Cauvery water for agriculture, drinking water and other uses.
Mullaperiyar Dam
Geographical and Strategic Significance
- Location: Mullaperiyar Dam is situated in the Western Ghats of Kerala and is constructed across the Periyar River.
- Construction: The masonry dam was constructed between 1887 and 1895 under the historical Periyar Project.
- Operational arrangement: Although the dam is physically located in Kerala, it is owned and operated by Tamil Nadu under the historical arrangement.
- Inter-basin transfer: The project diverts water from the west-flowing Periyar basin towards Tamil Nadu, making it an important example of inter-basin water transfer.
- Tamil Nadu’s dependence: The diverted water supports irrigation in parts of southern Tamil Nadu.
Kerala–Tamil Nadu Dispute over Mullaperiyar Dam
| Issue | Kerala’s Position | Tamil Nadu’s Position |
| Dam safety | Concerned about the safety of the ageing Mullaperiyar Dam and downstream risks. | Maintains that the dam can be safely operated with appropriate safety measures. |
| Water level | Favours a lower storage level to reduce pressure and downstream risk. | Seeks a higher storage level to ensure adequate water availability. |
| Water use | Prioritises safety of people living downstream in Kerala. | Depends on the water for irrigation and other needs in southern Tamil Nadu. |
| Location vs control | The dam is physically located in Kerala. | Tamil Nadu operates and maintains the dam under the historical agreement. |
| Historical agreement | Questions aspects of the old arrangement in light of present safety concerns. | Relies on the 1886 lease agreement and subsequent legal arrangements. |
Additional Information:
Periyar River
- Origin: The Periyar River originates in the Western Ghats of Kerala.
- Course: It flows mainly through Kerala before draining into the Arabian Sea.
- Significance: It is the longest river in Kerala and forms an important part of the state’s river system.
- Economic importance: The river supports irrigation, drinking water, hydropower and industrial activities in Kerala.
- Ecological importance: The Periyar basin supports rich biodiversity, including the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
FAQs
Q1. Mettur Dam is built across which river?
Ans: The Cauvery River.
Q2. What is the reservoir created by Mettur Dam called?
Ans: The Stanley Reservoir.
Q3. Mullaperiyar Dam is built across which river?
Ans: The Periyar River.
Q4. In which State is Mullaperiyar Dam physically located?
Ans: Kerala.
Q5. Which State operates Mullaperiyar Dam?
Ans: Tamil Nadu, under the historical lease arrangement.
Q6. What makes Mullaperiyar geographically significant?
Ans: It involves the diversion of water from the Periyar basin towards Tamil Nadu, making it an important example of inter-basin water transfer.
