Explanations:The Mullaperiyar dam is a significant structure located in the Periyar River in Kerala, India. Despite its geographical location in Kerala, the dam is controlled by the state of Tamil Nadu. This situation is a result of historical agreements and legal rulings that have shaped the control and management of the dam over the years.
The origins of the Mullaperiyar dam date back to the late 19th century when the British colonial government constructed it. The dam was built to divert water from the Periyar River in Kerala to the Vaigai River in Tamil Nadu, primarily for irrigation purposes. The construction of the dam was part of a larger project to improve agricultural productivity in the Madras Presidency, which included parts of present-day Tamil Nadu.
The control of the Mullaperiyar dam is a contentious issue due to the inter-state water dispute between Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The original agreement for the construction and operation of the dam was signed in 1886 between the Maharaja of Travancore (the region that is now part of Kerala) and the Madras Presidency. This agreement allowed the Madras Presidency to construct and operate the dam for 999 years. The agreement also specified that the water from the dam would be used for irrigation in Tamil Nadu.
Over the years, the control of the dam has been a subject of legal disputes and negotiations between the two states. In 2006, the Supreme Court of India ruled that the original agreement of 1886 was valid, and thus, the control of the dam remained with Tamil Nadu. The court also allowed Tamil Nadu to continue operating the dam at a height of 142 feet, which was a contentious issue as Kerala had raised concerns about the safety of the dam at this height.
Despite the legal rulings, the issue remains a sensitive topic between the two states. Kerala has raised concerns about the safety and environmental impact of the dam, while Tamil Nadu has emphasized the importance of the dam for its agricultural needs. The control of the Mullaperiyar dam is thus a complex issue that involves historical agreements, legal rulings, and ongoing negotiations between the two states.
In summary, the Mullaperiyar dam, despite being located in Kerala, is controlled by Tamil Nadu due to the historical agreements and legal rulings that have established this arrangement. Understanding the historical and legal context is crucial to comprehending the control and management of the dam.