As Kerala and Tamil Nadu's chief ministers prepare to meet for the inauguration of the renovated Thanthai Periyar Memorial in Vaikom, a protest is brewing in the interstate border areas over the contentious Mullaiperiyar dam issue. Tamil Nadu's Theni district sees protests as Kerala denies maintenance work on the 129-year-old Mullaiperiyar Dam.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has assured farmers that he will discuss the matter with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan during their meeting on Thursday. The meeting is crucial, as it may help defuse the tension between the two states.
The dispute revolves around Kerala's insistence on conducting a safety audit of the reservoir before allowing maintenance work. Tamil Nadu, however, has been complaining that Kerala is not allowing it to conduct necessary repairs. The Central Water Commission had issued an order in September 2024 to conduct a safety inspection of the dam within 12 months .
The Mullaiperiyar dam has been a point of contention between the two states for years. Kerala has expressed concerns about the dam's safety, citing its age and structural weaknesses. Tamil Nadu, however, maintains that the dam is safe and has been properly maintained.
The meeting between the two chief ministers on Thursday is expected to be crucial in resolving the dispute. With tensions running high, it remains to be seen whether the meeting will help defuse the tension between the two states.
