SC sets timelines to facilitate repair of Mullaperiyar dam, tree-felling near site
The Hindu
Supreme Court directs Tamil Nadu and Kerala to resolve contentious issues related to Mullaperiyar dam with expert intervention.
The Supreme Court on Monday (May 19, 2025) gave positive directions facilitating Tamil Nadu and Kerala to address and resolve long-contentious issues such as cutting trees that block access to the 125-year-old Mullaperiyar dam, transportation of materials to repair the approach roads and even grouting of the main super-structure of the dam.
A Bench headed by Justice Surya Kant gave Kerala to forward an application submitted by Tamil Nadu to cut the trees, to the Ministry of Environment and Forests in two weeks. The Centre was asked to accord sanction within three weeks thereafter, subject to appropriate conditions.
On noting that Kerala had consented to the transportation of materials required for six of the nine repair works pointed out by Tamil Nadu, the apex court said there was hardly any “justification” to not allow the transportation of material required for the remaining three works.
The court allowed an Executive Engineer with the Kerala government to be present when the repair works are done by the Tamil Nadu government.
To Kerala’s objections that materials for repairing a dam-access-road running through the forest was harmful to the environment, the apex court directed the State to conduct the road repair itself using materials which were eco-friendly. Tamil Nadu could post a civil engineer with its department to monitor the work.
The court directed Tamil Nadu to complete the repair of a dormitory and asked it to comply with the statutory requirements under the Inland Vessels Act and the Wildlife Act while plying an extra boat.
On the issue of grouting, the court asked the States to meet with the Supervisory Committee, which would make expert recommendations.
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