Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Satheesan Raises Mullaperiyar Dam Proposal at Southern Zonal Council
V D Satheesan raised concerns about the Mullaperiyar dam at a meeting of southern states.
Keralam says the old dam is unsafe and could put downstream lives at risk if it breached.
Tamil Nadu says the dam is safe.
Keralam offered to pay for a new dam.
Tamil Nadu would decide its design, location and construction.
Keralam also said Tamil Nadu would receive its full share of water.
Satheesan asked southern states to cooperate on healthcare, infrastructure, the environment and security.
He also discussed coastal erosion, offshore mining, transport and other issues.
The meeting was chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
V D Satheesan raised the Mullaperiyar dam issue at the 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting.
Keralam offered to pay the full cost of a new dam and provide Tamil Nadu its full water share.
Tamil Nadu would manage the proposed dam’s design, location and construction under the proposal.
Keralam says the existing dam is unsafe, while Tamil Nadu maintains that it is safe.
Satheesan also sought cooperation on healthcare, infrastructure, environmental protection, security and other state concerns.
- Who
- Keralam Chief Minister V D Satheesan, Tamil Nadu representatives, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and representatives of Southern Zonal Council members.
- What
- Satheesan proposed replacing the Mullaperiyar dam, with Keralam paying the cost and Tamil Nadu managing the new dam’s design and construction.
- When
- Thursday, August 20, at the 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting.
- Where
- The meeting was reported in Chennai; Satheesan’s post on X referred to Mahabalipuram.
- Why
- Keralam seeks decommissioning of the existing dam because it considers it unsafe, while the meeting also addressed inter-state and national issues.
Keralam’s Position
Tamil Nadu’s Position
Safety of the existing dam
Keralam’s Position
Keralam says the Mullaperiyar dam is unsafe and that a higher water level could endanger downstream lives if it breached.
Tamil Nadu’s Position
Tamil Nadu has maintained that the existing dam is safe.
Replacement proposal
Keralam’s Position
Keralam proposed funding the entire cost of a new dam and offering Tamil Nadu its full share of water.
Tamil Nadu’s Position
Under Keralam’s proposal, Tamil Nadu would manage the new dam’s design, location and construction.
- Meeting
- 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting
- Chair
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah
- New dam proposal
- Keralam offered to bear the entire cost of a new Mullaperiyar dam.
- Tamil Nadu’s role
- Tamil Nadu would manage the new dam’s design, location and construction.
- Water share
- Keralam said Tamil Nadu would receive its full share of water from the new dam.
- Dam dispute
- Keralam says the existing dam is unsafe and has sought its decommissioning; Tamil Nadu maintains that it is safe.
- Other demands
- Satheesan raised healthcare funding, coastal protection, offshore mining, transport, rail projects, security and women’s parliamentary reservation.
