SC sets timelines to facilitate repair of Mullaperiyar dam, Pg6

• Supreme Court directed Kerala and Tamil Nadu to cooperate on long-pending repair and maintenance of the Mullaperiyar dam.

  • Issue involved tree-felling, material transport, and grouting of the 125-year-old dam's superstructure.

  • Kerala permitted 6 out of 9 repair works; Court questioned its objection to the remaining three.

  • Kerala's environmental concerns over road repairs through forest areas were addressed by allowing eco-friendly materials.

  • An Executive Engineer from Kerala will monitor repair works done by Tamil Nadu.

  Detailed Insights:

  • A Bench led by Justice Surya Kant instructed Kerala to process Tamil Nadu's tree-felling application within two weeks.

  • Central government to approve tree-felling within three weeks, subject to conditions.

  • Court emphasized the urgency to resolve the inter-State water dispute through technical and expert-driven mechanisms.

  • The Supervisory Committee will guide on grouting and dormitory repair logistics.

  Key Concepts:

  • Mullaperiyar Dam Issue: Ongoing water-sharing and safety dispute between Tamil Nadu (which operates the dam) and Kerala (where it is located).

  • Inter-State Water Disputes: Managed under Article 262 of the Constitution and Inter-State Water Disputes Act, 1956.

  • Role of Judiciary: Supreme Court often steps in to mediate deadlocks when political dialogue fails.

  • Eco-friendly Infrastructure: Court emphasized compliance with the Inland Vessels Act and Wildlife Act.

  Significance:

  • Demonstrates judicial activism to ensure dam safety amidst federal frictions.

  • Reflects the complexity of balancing infrastructure needs, environmental protection, and inter-state cooperation.

  • Could serve as a model for dispute resolution in other inter-state infrastructure conflicts.

Mains Mock Question:

“Discuss the role of the Supreme Court in resolving inter-State water disputes in India with reference to the Mullaperiyar dam issue. Highlight the importance of balancing ecological concerns and infrastructure safety.”