Supreme Court to shortly hear pleas seeking directions for proper monitoring of Mullaperiyar Dam, especially in wake of the flood situation in Kerala& termination of lease deed between States of Kerala & Tamil Nadu in relation to the dam
Sr Adv Wills Mathews: due to heavy rain in state of Kerala, water level has gone up. There’s rain & landslides Life of 50 lakh people is in danger! The matter needs urgent consideration. There’s serious issue.
Bench: Let other side make their point.
ASG Bhati: the committee’s report has been placed.
Bench: some application has been filed
Adv G Prakash for Kerala: State of Kerala has sought time.
Adv G Prakash for Kerala: In 2018 when there was floods, there was an order passed that water level be kept till 139 ft, that order may be passed.
Bench: what’s the date of order?
Bench asks for a copy of its 2018 order.
Sr Adv Krishnamurthy for Tamil Nadu: May i say, at 9 am today water level is 137.2 ft.
Bench: at that time a statement was made by the Committee. Who’s appearing for the Committee?
Bench is informed ASG Aishwarya Bhati is appearing
ASG Bhati: I’ve instructions to appear in item 37.
Bench: A issue has been raised that there is an immediate need to specify maximum level of water to be maintained. If you want to get instructions, we can pass it over.
ASG: Kindly have it tomorrow
Justice Khanwilkar: Please understand anxiety of other party. Committee needs to take a decision, take a decision and tell us what needs to be maximum level and till when.
J Khanwilkar adds: We don’t know what risk factors are involved. Committee needs to decide this. We can’t decide water levels. This has to be decided immediately, in a day or two.
