To begin with, in this article, we have added all information related to the Mullaperiyar Dam as it is again one of the essential topics for the IAS exam. Further, one needs to understand this concept concerning the IAS exam. Understand all details like Mullaperiyar Dam Kerala, location, water level, and map. It will help you with your UPSC exam preparations. We have been covering all the important notes for the UPSC exam preparations. It is normal for all aspirants to get worried about the IAS exam syllabus. In addition, it has the longest syllabus, and to clear the IAS exam, you need special effort and hard work.
Mullaperiyar Dam
In the first place, the Mullaperiyar Dam is a gravity dam that is present between rivers in the Indian state of Kerala. Further, it is located 881 m above sea level, on the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats in Thekkady, Idukki District of Kerala. This dam was before used called the Periyar Dam, and the current name is derived by vaguely blending the names of Mullayar River and Periyar River. The Periyar river, which flows westward of Kerala into the Arabian sea, was diverted eastwards to flow towards the Bay of Bengal. Presently, the water from the Periyaru Lake created by the dam is diverted through the watershed cutting and a tunnel to Forebay Dam near Kumily. Let us learn more about the Mullaperiyar Dam below.
| Country | India |
|---|---|
| Location | Kerala |
| Status | Operational |
| Construction began | 1887 |
| Opening date | 10 October 1895 |
| Operator(s) | Tamil Nadu |
| Type of dam | Gravity |
|---|---|
| Impounds | Periyar River |
| Height (foundation) | 53.66 m (176 ft) |
| Length | 365.85 m (1,200 ft) (main) |
| Width (crest) | 3.6 m (12 ft) |
| Width (base) | 42.2 m (138 ft) |
History of the Mullaperiyar Dam
In the first place, it is the River Periyar and its tributary, the Mullayar, in the state of Kerala. This dam was first located to provide water from the Periyar river to Madura. It is by a tunnel through the mountains in 1808, and it was scouted by Captain J. L. Caldwell, Madras Engineers. Further, the first attempt was made in 1850 by damming the Periyaar with an earthen dam. However, it wasn’t successful due to demands for higher wages by the labor, citing unhealthy living conditions. In the year 1882, the construction of the dam was approved, and Major John Pennycuick, M.E., was placed in charge. The first ropeway was also constructed and later shifted to Munnar.
Further, the agreement was signed between the Pandya kings who ruled Madurai and the erstwhile Travancore kingdom. Later, on 29 Oct 1886, a lease indenture for 999 years was made between the Maharaja of Travancore and India’s British Secretary of State. Later, according to the new agreement, the tax per acre was increased, and for the electricity generated in Lower Camp utilizing Mullaperiyar water, the charge was ₹12 per kW per hour. Further, for the past 50 years, the Tamil Nadu government has been paying the Kerala government to use water and land.
Construction of Mullaperiyar Dam
- As we have mentioned earlier, finally, in the year 1882 construction of the dam got approved. It was then under the charge of Major John Pennycuick.
- Further, the British government had to negotiate with the Maharaja of Travancore for 24 long years. It was before the time when a lease agreement was signed on October 29, 1886, between Maharaja of Travancore Visakham Thirunal Rama Varma and British India’s Secretary of State.
- Then, the agreement granted full rights over all the waters of the 100 acres of Mullaperiyar dam and the 8000 acres reservoir to the British government. It was for the tax of Rs 5 per acre per year, totaling up to Rs 40,000 annually.
- Then, the dam was built with rock, limestone, and burnt brick powder.
Dispute between Kerala and Tamil Nadu
The Kerala Government submitted a proposal for decommissioning the dam, and constructing a new one has been challenged by Tamil Nadu. It was because of the unfairness of the 1886 lease agreement and the 126-year-old dam to the secure people of Kerala in the event of a dam collapse. Further, Tamil Nadu blamed Kerala for delaying the finalization of the rule curve for the dam. Later, the gate opening schedule of a dam is based on the rule curve. This rule avoids the emergency opening of dam shutters in case of a flood-like situation as it helps control the water level in the dam during peak monsoon.
Issues related to the Mullaperiyar Dam
Further, we have added some of the major issues are
- In the first place, keep track of and performance of the instrumentation of the dam.
- Finalizing the rule curve.
- Fixing the gate operating schedule
Current Situation
Due to the flood in 2008, the dam’s safety again rose to public attention in 202. Further, the UN report stated that the Mullaperiyar dam, located in a seismically active area, has structural flaws, and 5 million people are at risk. Later, two petitions were filed stating that since 2014 it is not functioning correctly for six years. This made the Supreme Court issue an order Chief Secretary of the Tamil Nadu government to come out with the rule curve and face action.
Further, Tamil Nadu’s Chief Secretary shall be the personally responsible and appropriate action. The Supreme Court also directed the Supervisory Committee to issue directions or take steps to address the three core safety issues.
Overview of the IAS exam and Preparations
Now that you have understood all information related to the Mullaperiyar Dam Kerala. We will now brief notes on the IAS exam conducted by the UPSC authority. If you have a plan to apply for the IAS exam, you need to visit the official site and know the exam requirements. Further, it is a lengthy procedure from applying for the exam and clearing it. There are three rounds in the exam. Prelims paper, the main exam, and Interview round. Then, to guide you with the IAS exam and help you with IAS exam preparations, we have added all information related to the exam. Know More.
Further, in the prelims, you will find questions that are objective type, and in the main exam, questions will be descriptive type. One must clear one round to go to the next one. In addition, go through last year’s papers to know more about the pattern.
Further, talking about the UPSC exam preparations, it is important to know about the exam syllabus and the pattern of the paper. In addition, know which are the best books for the exam and study from the same. Click here to go to the official website of the UPSC. Go through the complete information and apply for the exam. Later, there are many things to be looked after for the IAS exam. In addition, various websites offer you a complete guide for the exam.
Conclusion – Mullaperiyar Dam Map
In summary, the above article gives you information about the Mullaperiyar Dam location, water level, map, and other related information. In 2007, the Kerala Cabinet permitted preliminary work on a new dam. However, in 2014, the Supreme Court order allowed Tamil Nadu to fix the water level at 142 ft. Further, the dispute has exhausted the technical and judicial settlement options to solve the problem.
As we always mention, the IAS syllabus is vast, and one must invest a reasonable amount of time to get through it. We have seen lakhs of students and professionals applying for the exam. However, a few will clear the exam in the end. Further, this exam will check your knowledge and your patience, and hard work.
FAQs – Mullaperiyar Dam
Go through the below FAQs for more information on the Mullaperiyar Dam location.
Mullaperiyar dam water level at 142 ft, Idduki admin, sounds alert
The Mullaperiyar dam is located in the Idukki district.
The areas affected by the Mullaperiyar dam collapse are Idukki, Kottayam, Ernakulum, Alapuzha, and Thrissur.
The Mullaperiyar dam has 13 shutters.
In the UPSC exam, you will have to face three main rounds
1. Preliminary Round
2. The Main Round
3. Lastly, Interview Round
Editor’s Note | Mullaperiyar Dam
After reading the above article, you will understand all information that is related to the Mullaperiyar Dam Kerala location. Further, know about the Mullaperiyar Dam location, map, etc. To know well, try to give mock tests and test series. It will help you to improve your skills and to get the best results in the exam. This article will assist by providing all information related to the Mullaperiyar Dam map. In addition, we suggest one make a note of all essential points that will help you with the IAS exam. Further, you will find the necessary links that will help you to get more information related to the exam. Lastly, we wish you good luck with the UPSC IAS exam.
