The Mullaperiyar Dam issue highlights how aging infrastructure and public safety are deeply connected. The Supreme Court’s decision to seek an expert review is both timely and necessary.
This dam, built in 1895, is over 130 years old and located in a seismic zone. Over the years, natural wear and tear, along with changing rainfall patterns due to climate change, have raised genuine safety concerns. Millions of people live downstream and any structural failure could cause massive loss of life and property.
From an expert perspective, the first step must be a detailed inspection by a multidisciplinary team of engineers, geologists, hydrologists and disaster management specialists. They should examine every part of the dam; its structure, foundation and response to stress during heavy rain or earthquakes. The Court’s decision to keep the reservoir level lower for now is a wise precaution.
If the findings show real risks, the next move should be clear; strengthen the structure, partially rebuild, or even replace the dam if needed. Public safety must come before regional politics or water-sharing disputes.
Finally, both the Centre and the concerned states must work together with full transparency and coordination. Modern monitoring systems, regular audits and clear communication can restore public trust.
The Mullaperiyar case should become an example of proactive safety, where we fix problems before tragedy strikes, not after.
