Mullaperiyar Dam Dispute
22 August 2026
PRERNA FOR IAS
Mehnat Aapki, Guidance Humari
Roz ki Prelims Practice — Experts ke Saath
Mullaperiyar Dam Dispute
Why in News
A five-member sub-committee under the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) recently carried out a safety inspection of the Mullaperiyar Dam in Kerala’s Idukki district. The inspection has again brought attention to the long-running dispute between Kerala and Tamil Nadu over dam safety, water level and operational control.
Background
The Mullaperiyar Dam was constructed between 1887 and 1895 on the Periyar river system in present-day Kerala. Although the dam is located in Kerala, it is operated by Tamil Nadu under the historic 1886 lease agreement. Its waters are diverted eastward to support irrigation and drinking-water needs in several southern districts of Tamil Nadu.
Core of the Dispute
Sign up free to read the full article
Free accounts include 5 articles every month across current affairs, state notes, subject notes and more — upgrade anytime for unlimited access.
Explore the Mullaperiyar Dam dispute between Kerala and Tamil Nadu over dam safety, water levels, and operational control under the 1886 lease agreement.
Keywords
Mullaperiyar DamKerala Tamil Nadudam safetywater disputePeriyar riverNDSASupreme Courtinter-State water