Panel to submit safety report on Mullaperiyar dam in two weeks

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The comprehensive safety panel inspecting the Mullaperiyar dam canal shutter at Thekkady on Tuesday | Photo Credit: Sandeep Vellaram

The comprehensive safety panel will submit its report on the Mullaperiyar Dam within two weeks, said former NHPC CMD Balraj Joshi, chairman of the study panel.

Speaking to the media after visiting the dam on Tuesday at Thekkady, the chairman noted that the panel is conducting an impartial, comprehensive safety evaluation.

“The panel is evaluating whether this structure fulfils its intended purpose, whether it is stable, and if it ensures general public safety and structural integrity—especially since public money is involved,” Mr Joshi said.

“Given that this is a very old dam, we are examining how it fits into modern engineering paradigms, including its design, engineering components, instrumentation, seismic resilience, and current engineering practices. We will discuss these aspects, prepare our report, and submit it to the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA),” said the chairman.

He added that the panel includes multidisciplinary engineering experts.

”We have recorded all site observations. Our team—comprising seismic experts, instrumentation specialists, hydrologists, and construction engineers—will sit together to review the findings. There is a standard format mandated under the NDSA framework. We will hold our internal discussions and submit our report to the NDSA,” Mr Joshi said.

The chairman further noted that while the initial site inspection concluded on Tuesday, the panel could return for another look if unresolved questions arise during technical discussions.

“The terms of reference clearly require an impartial evaluation of the technical data to determine whether the dam is structurally safe and functioning properly. Hydrology, design calculations, and seismic factors will all be assessed,” he added.

According to officials, the panel’s study is scheduled from September 1 to 3. The panel, chaired by Mr. Joshi, includes Gopal Dhawan (former ED, NHPC), Prof. M.L. Sharma (Head, International Centre of Excellence in Earthquakes and Professor of Earthquake Engineering, IIT Roorkee), Gulshan Raj (former Chairman, Ganga Flood Control Commission), and Ashuthosh Dash (former Engineer-in-Chief-cum-Special Secretary, Water Resources Department, Odisha).

Meanwhile, sources said that Keralam will formally raise its demands during the upcoming meeting at Thekkady.

“The inspection must adhere strictly to the Terms of Reference. Keralam expects an impartial study and report. The State will present its demands both verbally and in writing on Wednesday. A single-day visual inspection is insufficient to evaluate the true condition of the dam,” a source said.

“To properly assess the dam’s structural integrity, the panel must deploy specialized equipment and machinery. Only deep technical assessments—including seismic analyses and floodwater management capacity studies—can reveal the real picture. The Terms of Reference mandate this level of scrutiny.