Kerala protests the removal of its nominee from the Mullaperiyar Dam safety committee

Kerala’s government, caught off‑guard, lodged an official objection on Tuesday after the Centre announced the removal of its nominated expert from the Mullaperiyar Dam safety committee. The move, which was communicated through a terse circular, sparked a flurry of questions about why a state’s voice would be silenced in a matter that directly affects its people.

For decades, the Mullaperiyar Dam, perched on the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, has been a flashpoint. While the dam supplies crucial water to Tamil Nadu’s arid districts, it also looms over Kerala’s hilly terrain, raising legitimate safety concerns. The committee, set up to monitor structural integrity and recommend remedial measures, has traditionally included a member nominated by Kerala – a gesture meant to ensure balanced oversight.

“We respect the need for a robust safety mechanism, but stripping away our nominee feels like a step back in collaborative spirit,” said a senior Kerala official, who preferred to remain unnamed. The official added that the state had not been given any prior warning or justification, which only deepened the sense of unease.

Sources close to the matter suggest that the central government’s decision may be linked to ongoing technical disagreements about the dam’s height and reinforcement plans. Tamil Nadu, for its part, has repeatedly advocated for raising the water level to boost irrigation, a stance Kerala has consistently opposed, citing potential risks to its downstream communities.

Adding to the complexity, the removed nominee was reportedly a civil‑engineer with two decades of experience in dam safety assessments. “His expertise is not just symbolic; it’s essential for an unbiased technical review,” the Kerala representative noted, pausing before emphasizing the point.

In response, Kerala has asked the central government to reconsider and restore its representation, insisting that any safety evaluation must be inclusive. The state has also hinted at pursuing legal recourse if the matter is not resolved amicably, a move that could further strain the already delicate inter‑state relationship.

While the dispute unfolds, locals living near the dam remain uneasy. “We just want to know the dam is safe,” said one resident, reflecting a sentiment shared across both states. The coming weeks will likely see intensified negotiations, with both sides trying to balance water needs, safety concerns, and political sensitivities.