Mullaperiyar Unresolved

These are the links for articles which may help you in Understanding the Mullaperiyar issue better. The major cause of dispute between two neighboring states who can easily work on consensus, only if the both try to look at the humanitarian side. In 2000 Frontline one author stated thus: “For every argument raised by Tamil Nadu in support of its claims, there is counter-argument in Kerala that appears equally plausible. Yet, each time the controversy gets embroiled in extraneous issues, two things stand out: One is Kerala’s refusal to acknowledge the genuine need of the farmers in the otherwise drought-prone regions of Tamil Nadu for the waters of the Mullaperiyar; the other is Tamil Nadu’s refusal to see that it cannot rely on or continue to expect more and more from the resources of another State to satisfy its own requirements to the detriment of the other State. A solution perhaps lies in acknowledging the two truths, but neither government can afford the political repercussions of such a confession”.


The fact that unending discussions are not only delaying the work that needs to be done, be it reconstruction or maintenance and also that in case the delay ends in a catastrophe the loss would be tremendous and irreversible. On going protests, strikes only renders in increasing fear in the minds of people living in the vicinity. The Government is not ignorant, the problem is any action has its pros and cons….The political future of the ruling parties, the relation between the two states and the irrevocable damage that any  radical action may cause stands as a hindrance….

Well we of course cannot deny the long and tedious procedure that follows any political decision, the long run of discussions, the Center-State disparities, the fund allotment issues etc are all part of this melodramatic situation. Its up to the leadership of both the states to decide whether or not to put lives of hundreds up against the economic growth…”It needs consideration, we need time to think” are old lines they sure need to find some innovative ones….

It is one thing to look from the far end and decide that a 116yr old dam is strong enough, and another thing to live right there, watching the leaks, listening about the damage that would be caused if the dam gives way, waking up at nights thinking that you heard a creaking sound….Its nightmare for the people living there. Displacement is the only option, but where to???? For people who sustain on natural sources for living, it is near to impossible to survive in cities. What to eat, how to make a living, where to stay ????  Jeopardy is the only word that could describe their current situation.

The Government may discuss for years to come when will they act?? Its suffrage in the real sense of the word for the people living in that location. I sympathize and Empathize with the people living in the area…Hope that All ends well…Its a clouded view that is see today  from my Satrangee Parachute, wish the clouds clear soon…