The Keralam Government will approach the Supreme Court to ensure the implementation of its 2024 judgment permitting a detailed safety inspection of the Mullaperiyar dam, state Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph said here on Monday.
The government will file a special petition in the Supreme Court in this regard, with senior advocate Mohan V Kattarki appointed as the lead counsel. Keralam will also seek the Centre’s active intervention to resolve its long-standing dispute with Tamil Nadu over the dam, the minister told a press conference here. On the Baby Dam issue, the state has already informed the Apex Court that it has complied with the conditions laid down by it, he added.
The minister also announced a broader effort to overhaul the Water Resources Department and the Kerala Water Authority, with a focus on improving drinking water supply, irrigation facilities and the management of water resources across the state.
Joseph said the government would formulate a comprehensive water policy by bringing the various wings of the Water Resources Department under a common framework. The policy is expected to be announced in early 2027.
“The aim is to make the Water Resources Department and the Water Authority more people-friendly and efficient,” the minister said.
As part of the exercise, a Keralam Water Conclave will be held in Thiruvananthapuram in the first week of December. Experts, including international disaster management specialist Muralee Thummarukudy, are expected to participate in the discussions.
One of the immediate priorities is to reduce the huge loss of drinking water in the state capital. Nearly half of the water pumped from Aruvikkara is lost before reaching consumers, according to minister.