As there is reasonable apprehensions about the imminent danger and the possibility of a dam failure of Mullaperiyar dam, Kerala should not take any chances with its people’s life. Journey to Mullaperiyar and the facts found are really shocking. Some great souls have strived their best to gather the most credible information. One can see the pathetic condition of the dam in the photos below. Let us do something, at least the smallest thing that we can do in regard of Mullaperiyar
Situating at a height of almost 1km above sea level, Mullaperiyar Dam is a masonry gravity dam in picturesque Idukki district of Kerala. It was constructed by Britishers in the year 1895. Built not using modern or reliable technology and materials, the engineer who built it called for its decommission after a maximum of fifty years.
Image was taken when water level at 115 feet and the image shows weak wall of the dam
The security system there will not allow anyone to photograph this. Once, Indian navy was called for to photograph the cracks in the dam but they couldn’t complete the mission as they were called back by Higher authorities. The image shows the cracks on the wall. This so called weak wall which is protecting 35 lakhs+ people who live downstream and 5 districts
Water seeping into the wall through the cracks of dam
Close view of cracks
Plaster on the wall of the dam eroded due to constant contact with water
Large horrifying hole between the bricks
Failure of Surki plaster due to constant contact with water
View of Surki plaster leakage
Image of eroded plaster
Tamilnadu claims that if anything happens to Mullaperiyar dam, then Idukki dam will contain the water. Then what about millions of life in the villages downstream of the dam who will be wiped out
Starting point of busy Vandiperiyar town
If something untoward happens to the Mullaperiyar dam, the water gushes down and destroys everything between Vandiperiyar to Idukki including Vallakadavu and Peermed
Idukki dam water level reached the maximum capacity during monsoon and there has been an increased flow of water through the Periyar. Then if Mullaperiyar water rushes to Idukki dam, think about the disaster. Idukki dam will however fail to withstand the pressure of the incoming water and burst. It will wash away Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and rich bio diversity.
If Idukki dam breaks, water will raise at a height of 5th floor of Ernakulam Highcourt. Now Govt blames media for sensationalizing the issue
Taken exclusive images of the dam without the knowledge of Tamilnadu officials. This is the backside portion of dam and the gate leads inside to gallery.
This is the gate which leads to Gallery and the key is with Tamilnadu. What a pity. And for sure, it will not be opened to a Keralite.
This is gallery. The below is inside the tunnel. Reservoir is situated besides the right wall of this tunnel and you can see water oozing from the wall. One can’t stay much time inside this tunnel due to the lack of Oxygen
This crack or hole is one which developed in time course.
Deterioration of the dam is measured based on the Seepage water coming out of the cracks and airholes. Tamilnadu officials only know about the correct measurement since Keralites are not permitted to enter here
Sketch of Mullaperiyar dam – You can see main dam, sand dam and the illegally constructed baby dam
Upper side of sand dam, one can go to baby dam through this way. Leeches are plenty in this area
Front portion of baby dam – to view this portion, we have to get down from sand dam. There is a regular footpath for elephants
Elephant running towards the photographer
This region is famous for mist, anytime unexpectedly it covers the area like a blanket
In 1979, primary steps had been taken by both states for a new dam later TN withdraw the support for the dam. This structure can be seen above the dam. Later TN did some repairs and reinforcement on existing dam to enhance the strength.
Beautiful Periyar Lake and enjoy the mesmerizing view of lake in the evening
The seepage water from dam, is the source of drinking water to the animals in the Periyar tiger reserve
Bisons cooling in the seepage water from the dam in the downstream area
Flashing mobiles without the notice of Tamilnadu officials
Top view of Mullaperiyar dam
Bisons and elephants wander freely on the backside of the dam
Walk through the top portion of the dam
Entry point to dam where Kerala police has the duty to guard the dam. Here in the wall names of all Bririshers has been engraved who involved in the construction of the dam
Foundation stone for the dam was laid in 1895
Mute spectator to the events on the ground, Mullaperiyar Dam was designed by the engineer Major John Pennycuick. The idea of harnessing water flowing in the western side of the Western Ghats and directing it to the eastern part of the mountain range itself was a innovative thinking at the time. Tamil Nadu (erstwhile Madras) with their much arid land and scarcity for water quenched much for water from the Kerala’s erstwhile Travancore region.
Save Mullaperiyar Dam, Save Kerala
Credits for the pictures goes to Mr. Faisal Mohammed (Pachu). Visit his blog at http://mullapperiyaar.blogspot.com. Thank you Pachu. You did a wonderful work!
Jac
Jacob Antony, a Kerala Tourism & Social Media enthusiast who is curious in exchanging thoughts. " I am the founder of TBS, a Web development, Web Analytics, Online Advertising Consulting and Search Engine Optimization Company in Kochi, India. "
Mullaperiyar dam - what happens if the water bomb bursts out (5 months ago)
[...] fear has gripped Malayalee minds, as panic has risen along with water levels in the 115-year-old Mullaperiyar dam. Debates are going over what happens when the water bomb bursts out. There are Hunger strikes, [...]
Tamilan (5 months ago)
You will get these kind of photos in every dam in this world, not just this dam. Grow up, Dude !!!
Riju Royson (5 months ago)
Whatever we show, they wont believe. Tamils will believe only if the worse happens just becoz they are tamils. Dear Tamilan ( R u afraid of saying who are u ?) can you please share just one photo of any such dam from TN ? Dont say that and this sitting far away from the DAM.
karthick (5 months ago)
do u sit aside while they taken that pic… sorry dude i cant find u yet in that pic….
we just rise our words for our necessary supply of water not against u people first u all learn how to respect then comment ok….
TamilGenius (5 months ago)
If you zoom in to some extended corners you can find lot of cracks in rastriapathy bavan, and even the white house – Agree?
Binu thomas (5 months ago)
But they don’t hold water reservoir like a time bomb to kill lakhs of people. Don’t be stupid please.
MAD (5 months ago)
Tamils are broad minded but not FOOLS. We both (kerala and tamilnadu) equally educated and technically proved states and have equal stuffs. @Kerala don’t you guys feel silly to deploy these kind of cheap political issues without the truth?
Binu thomas (5 months ago)
Fine you qualified person, now please say when do you think this 116 years old dam can be decommissioned. Reply
karthick (5 months ago)
so u would like to know when this will be decommissioned …. u never trust things which will not happen just ur fear kills u all so keep fearing …. thats good for all….
Sujith (5 months ago)
Certainly appreciate excellent thought provoking pics
Sammie (5 months ago)
Look fellows… We are talking about an age-old dam well past its expiry date. And all that the Kerala is demanding is the construction of a new dam in place of this antique structure. Keep the water with you, just give us the safety.
karthick (5 months ago)
great words bro…. but your gov doesn’t evn obey supreme court order how come we can believe in your oral words,…. that’s the key question….
just pass this in to a law or agreement then we all will accept that even salute for guys like u…. with loving hearts
Shruthykeerthy (5 months ago)
Hei guys..
Please understand the ways the politicians are using us as puppets. Lets not bring in conflicts between the centuries old relations and trust both Kerala and Tamil Nadu people share. Please don’t drag in innocent people’s lives. lets decide and discuss cool and level headed and that too before everything goes out of hand. Shake awake the centre first.. R they sleeping…?
karthick (5 months ago)
any way we are not against malayali we just need to serve for our farmers and wish to supply their need……..
any way we Tamil are always welcoming others with smile ………. we never wish to show Kolaveri…………..
we already given it in a song………………………
if this is a political revenge against Tamil innocent farmers we never stay calm
also we never harm malayali living in chennai or in Tamil Nadu……. we are not like u………….. anbey sivam….
valga tamil valarga tamil makkal
Bobin (4 months ago)
Dear bro,
We dont want water from the new dam like the existing dam. If this dam breaks we will die. it is as simple as that. So we have to find a resolution. You just want water for your people. You dont wat any thing more right? you dont have to trust us for getting water from new dam. But you can draft an agreement , which is to be published in all newspapers, and can hold discussions with Kerala government to reach in an agreement. Why dont you do that. Challenge Kerala government- after drafting a resonable and justifiable agreement- for talks. Then you will ge water for sure from the new dam. Without doing any thing positively, you have no right to blame anyone in Kerala. Do you think if Kerala have done any thing wrong, your leaders wont take any action very severly. Why are the helpless to an extend. Why cant they take strong actions? The simple reason is the current agreement is not valid to the law. You cant make such agreements with the current laws. Thats why they oppose the new dam. We heared Jayalalitha is taking the details of the land owned by kerala politions in those 5 districts, which depend on entirely this water. Why dont she publish it? We Kerala people challenge her to publish it. If Kerala Leaders have that much land in those districtts, in commonsense, will they like to lose their wealth by denying water to Tamilnadu. So please use your head instead of heart in this case. No one can give any guarrentee about this dam that it will stand straight for the 999 years. Defenitely it will break one day. Why are you waiting to happen that , why are you waiting to make lakhs of people’s life in misery in both sides. Why you want to put India’s growth on jeopordy. Its not just a water issue. Its consequenses are far greater in your life as wll as in my life.
Jawahar (5 months ago)
Guys
One must understand the depth of the agreement.People who are depend on this water having their lands for the day to day bread and butter.If Kerala Government is very keen on the safety of the people, why can’t they allow Tamil Nadu to construct a new dam to with hold the damaged waters of Mullapaeriyar.within the frame work of the existing agreement.The bottom line is Kerala is more jelous about the enjoyment of Tamil Nadu on its water than the safety of their own people,Pls understand that even now the four lane of roads project on Kerala is not done which is mainly due to the narrow mindedness of people of the state.
sadiq (5 months ago)
you peoples come and see the condition of dam, then talk about it…. mullaperiyar dam is a dam, not a water tank to build with in 100 mtres, it needs hilly area and water avalability to build a dam (no dried dams in kerala, like as kallanai!!!!!)…. kerala wants life of the poeples, not money and water… y u peoples are not accepyg the conditions of kerala???
sadiq (5 months ago)
that is the real qustion, who is in the back of all thse false news….. now all TNSTC buses are running in kerala, but KSRTC stopped the service…. if u persons has culture and commensense, pls use both and stop creatng false news and stop attkng kerala buses and keralite shops….. how dare you are to talk about culture by doing all the mischifs…. Come to mullaperiyar and see the condition of dam…..
Jobin (5 months ago)
Dear Tamil Bros: I dont think u guys can show such kinda pictures from all the Dams in India!! all the new Dams are made of concrete and not surki!! we dont need to be jelous! u guys are jelous datz y u fight with Karnataka for Kaveri, Andra for palar and north Indians for language!! u just feel inferior because of ur disailities! we are Gods own country with 44 major rivers!! we dont want 15 TMC water in mullaperiyar to serve us!! so please shut the ***k and dont act like the puppets of ur thalaivi!! have some brain!!
anil (5 months ago)
Tamil friends, If you are seeing Kerala’s worries not based on facts, please agree to commission Koodamkulam Atomic Reactor
Sree (5 months ago)
First off all..All tamil brothers taking it as silly and thinking it just as a political issue!!! This is a political issue in Tamilnadu…bcs they have such politicians like Vaiko..now They are not allowing to live malyali people in tamilnadu…not allowing to open shops there..
Keralaities first say we are indains and tehy say we are malayalies
Tamil peole first say they are tamilians then only tell they are Indains
See they have seperate state Flag!!!! we ca’t even think abt that..and not bothering about people’s life in kerala..who is giving ater last 115 years…
They have nothing to lose..already getting enough water…why should they bother…we are ready to give how much water they needed…but they are only hearing their cheap regional politicians …. No way to understand them…this Dam is in kerala..It is facing to kerala…The river flows to kerala only..they are getting water how much they are needed..and will get alwys..they why should bother about us???
Ahammed Sahban (4 months ago)
Hi… Tamil friends. I request you to save those people, who worried to live in that area. Its a request… SAVE OTHERS LIFE AND BE A HERO
jvirumbi (4 months ago)
It is near Psychosis. If the dam is really in such bad condition, you will not be sitting and blogging in internet. Rather everyone would have ran away from downstream districts by this time.
Dams is an engineering output. So plz substantiate your claim with engineering data. (Not Achuthananthan’s “kuda kambi” technology, plz).
What the crap statements “come and see mullaperiyar dam” – I have seen few dams in my life; But I am sorry I can not say when they all will burst. Probably you superior people may know.
Kerala tried in vain all tricks from 1947 to take control of the dam/water and keep Tamil Nadu at its mercy for ever.
Now after the failure of grand Iduki dam (which is 10 times larger than Mllaperiyar dam; won’t it break in earthquake ?) to gather enough water, Kerala turned its eyes on Mullaperiyar. Iduki is generating only 200MW of electricity, against the planned 1000MW. So somehow Kerala wants to reduce the water to Mullaperiayar dam and divert that to Iduki damn. That’s it.
Anyway, enough fear is injected in people’s brian. So you won’t stop until it is demolished. But you can not do it without Tamil Nadu’s permission. So what is the proposal for Tamil nadu’s right of water and how would you prove that there is no dirty trick in this whole episode ? Would Kerala and central govt together would promise to TN that all its current rights will be provided on the proposed new dam as well ???
MKS (4 months ago)
@jvirumbi. You have visited few dams which may be concrete structure, not a Surki structure. What do you know about Surki construction. When the white man who made it had given the life for 50 years, and your Amma says MP is intact even after 115 years. What advance technology of Tamilian. We have many other dams which is concrete structure and we have no fear on those. It is our rulers mistake by making such a stupid 999 years lease following the British. Our leaders never thought you people will become so gready like this. See the pictures with erotion under the water. Are you so stupid to say that it is all lie?
Kerala has been talking about the life of the dam almost 30 years, but now only they made the demand more strong. We had the fear for 3 decades, but now due to the tremors only we became more frightened, there is no injection of fear factor. Keralites are not that foolish to believe if it is a fear phycosis made by politicians. We do not fall on the feet of our politicians and don’t worship them like you guys. These photographs are not taken by politicians.
Coming the long term agreement. If MP is in TN and Kerala needs water from that, will you give us a 999 years period lease term? Ask this yourself sincerely. Will you risk the life of your people?