States yet to activate Mullaperiyar panel

Kottayam: Though the Supreme Court had on January 11 ordered constitution of a separate sub-committee to monitor preparedness to face any disaster related to the Mullaperiyar dam, it never met even after the water level reached the allowed 142 feet and the entire 13 spillways opened.

Revenue department sources said it had got the government approval, but its status was not known while Additional chief secretary P.H. Kurian said the committee was there, but it is to meet yet.

The SC bench of Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, and Justices A.M. Khanwilkar and D.Y. Chandrachudhad directed the Union and the Tamil Nadu governments to constitute panels for the same functions on a petition by Russel Joy.

The SC order says the three additional panels must provide for a separate dispensation under the state plan.

The petitioner had demanded the SC to issue a direction to the Union government to appoint an international agency with the technical expertise to study and adjudge the lifespan of the Mullaperiyar dam and ascertain the date/period on which the said dam must be de-commissioned, and appoint a high power committee to suggest to the SC regarding the date/ period for the decommissioning of the dam.

He had also sought a directive to Tamil Nadu to make financial provisions for damages to life and restoration of the environment in the eventuality of dam burst before its decommissioning.

The constitution of sub-committees shall be in addition to the existing committees. The SC order  says that all states shall work in harmony with the central sub –committtee and ensure high level preparedness to face any disaster occurring due to Mullaperiyar dam, so that life and property are not damaged.  

Tamil Nadu and the Centre too are asked to constitute separate sub-committees in the model of the state.