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!