'WELCOME TO NEW MULLAPERIYAR MISSION, KOCHI TIMES!'

'REVISITINTG THE MULLAPERIYAR DAM: A LEGACY OF SUSTAINABILITY AND SAFETY!'

Nestled in the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats at an altitude of 2,890 feet, the 'Mullaperiyar Dam' is a historic structure located 150 kilometers southeast of Kochi, in Kerala's Idukki District, India. Constructed by John Pennycuick between 1887 and 1895 during British colonial rule, this masonry gravity dam was designed to transfer water eastward to the arid areas of Madurai in the then Madras Presidency, now part of 'Tamil Nadu'. The dam, standing at 176 feet tall and spanning 1,200 feet, is a remarkable example of 19th-century engineering.
 

The management of the dam falls under the 'Tamil Nadu Government', as per a 999-year lease agreement—the Periyar Lake Lease Agreement—signed in 1886 between the Maharaja of Travancore and the British Secretary of State for India. This historic agreement allowed for the construction and utilization of irrigation facilities over 8,100 acres, facilitating an annual rent of Rs 40,000 plus a tax of Rs 5 per acre. The lease terms were reconfirmed in the 1970s by the C. Achutha Menon government, allowing Tamil Nadu to continue its Hydroelectric projects while Kerala benefits from rental income of about Rs 2.4 lakhs per year.
 

??? Nestled in the Western Ghats at 2,890 feet, the Mullaperiyar Dam stands as a testament to historic engineering. Built in the 19th century, it's more than just a dam; it's a lifeline to many.

Dive into the detailed analysis of this engineering marvel's role in regional water… pic.twitter.com/gzZhCYDAyD

— The Accidental Patriot! (@JabirOrg) August 18, 2024

The 'Mullaperiyar Dam' plays a critical role as a key water resource for the Vaigai basin. It diverts water from the Periyar River through a tunnel that traverses the Western Ghats, ultimately feeding into the 258-kilometer-long Vaigai River in Tamil Nadu. This crucial water supply not only provides drinking water to major cities along the river's course but also supports agricultural irrigation in the Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Sivaganga, Virudhunagar, and Ramanathapuram districts. The Vaigai River features several reservoirs, including the Vaigai Dam, constructed in 1959. The Vaigai River culminates its journey by flowing into the Palk Strait near the Pamban Bridge.
 

Over the years, the 'Mullaperiyar Dam' has been the subject of intense debate between 'Kerala' and 'Tamil Nadu', particularly concerning its safety and longevity. The active capacity of the dam 10.56 thousand million cubic feet (TMC ft) with maximum water depth 142 feet and it was built using limestone and surkhi mortar, the dam's ability to withstand modern environmental and hydrological stresses has raised concerns. Following expert recommendations, including those from esteemed institutions like the IITs, structural reinforcements have been added to enhance its safety. However, its age, building materials, and location in a seismically active area continue to be areas of concern.
 

Kerala recommends reducing the water level to alleviate structural pressure, whereas Tamil Nadu favours keeping the level high to optimize utility. The government of Tamil Nadu claims it has strengthened the foundation by employing multiple grouting methods and has enhanced seismic resilience through retrofitting, which includes the addition of post-tensioned anchors. From a technical perspective, if these construction methods are properly executed, they are expected to restore the dam's structural integrity and enhance its functionality. Post-tensioned tendons or anchors, which are high-strength steel cables or bars embedded within the concrete after casting, play a pivotal role in improving dam safety and prolonging their operational life. A robust foundation enables the dam to withstand external forces such as water pressure and seismic loads effectively.
 

However, the dam's position in a seismically active area, coupled with the risk of natural disasters like those seen in Wayanad, necessitates a sustainable solution through detailed engineering assessments. Landslides in Wayanad prompt increased public and regulatory scrutiny. Both states, along with the Supreme Court of India, continue to grapple with these issues, striving to find a balance between utility and safety. Suggestions such as adding a diversion tunnel or constructing a new dam present long-term solutions, each with distinct challenges and ramifications. Here’s an exploration of these options:
 

'SUSTAINABILITY AND SAFETY - THE NEW MULLAPERIYAR MISSION!'

Constructing a new dam could mitigate many of the existing structure's deficiencies by incorporating contemporary engineering standards, potentially enhancing capacity and safety features. Nevertheless, this option is generally the most expensive and time-intensive. It entails considerable environmental and social repercussions, such as displacement and ecological disruption. Moreover, due to historical agreements and ongoing disputes between Tamil Nadu and Kerala over the dam, a new dam could intensify political tensions.
 

????? What future awaits this engineering legacy? New structural enhancements or possibly a new dam? ??? Exploring Mullaperiyar Dam: A Journey through Time and Technology!https://t.co/mvpIMvzH2j

[#NewDiversionTunnel ???? #HistoricDam] pic.twitter.com/Fe2UchuQ81

— Kerala Advocacy (@KeralaFunds) August 18, 2024

Conversely, adding a new diversion tunnel below the current one could more effectively manage water pressure on the dam, possibly prolonging its service life and diminishing the risk of a catastrophic collapse. This approach might be more viable than building a new dam and could have a smaller environmental footprint. Although tunnel construction is less invasive, it necessitates comprehensive geological surveys to assess sediment buildup in the reservoir, along with a thorough analysis of the sediment’s composition and distribution.
 

A new diversion tunnel would aid in maintaining lower reservoir water levels, thus reducing hydrostatic pressure on the dam walls, especially during periods of heavy rain or flood conditions. Should a structural flaw or dam gate failure occur, like the recent collapse of the crest gate at the Tungabhadra Dam, the tunnel could swiftly decrease the water level in the dam, minimizing potential damage and reducing the risk of dam failure. Each option has its pros and cons, and the chosen solution would depend on thorough engineering assessments, environmental impact studies, and consultations with all stakeholders.
 

Join the discussion on how best to protect and manage this critical infrastructure.
 

Last update: 19-08-2024. 

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