Low water level in Mullaperiyar raising concern in both States
The Mullaperiyar Dam is experiencing critically low water levels, significantly impacting paddy farming in Tamil Nadu and threatening tourism in Kerala's Periyar Tiger Reserve. Farmers are facing potential crop failure as the lack of rain prevents the start of the planting season.
Why it matters
The water crisis highlights the vulnerability of regional agriculture and tourism to climate-driven rainfall deficits, exacerbating tensions between neighboring states.
The Mullaperiyar Dam recorded alarmingly low water storage in July, dropping to 112.9 feet on Wednesday compared to 131.4 feet on the same day last year. This 18.5-foot deficit compared to last year’s data is severely affecting farming activities in the bordering districts of Tamil Nadu. It may also soon pose a threat to tourism in the Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Thekkady, as well as drinking water distribution in the Kumily and Chakkupallom panchayats.
PTR Assistant Field Director (AFD) R. Lakshmi stated that boating and other tourism activities in Thekkady are currently running smoothly.
“However, the catchment areas of the dam in the Periyar Tiger Reserve are not receiving rain. If the water level drops below 110 feet, boating activities may be affected. If this situation continues and the water level drops further, tourism will face disruptions,” Ms. Lakshmi said.
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