Mullaperiyar Dam Burst - Can It Be Prevented?

Replies

• 

  Gandalf

  In 1979, safety concerns were raised by Kerala Government after an earthquake, that resulted in leaks and cracks in the dam. A state agency, Centre for Earth Science Studies (CESS), Thiruvananthapuram, had reported that the structure would not withstand an earthquake above magnitude 6 on the Richter Scale. The then Tamil Nadu government lowered the storage level to the current 136 feet (from 142.2 feet) at the request of the Kerala Government to carry out safety repairs.
  Current safety concerns hinge mainly around the issues listed below:
  Risk /Threat Factors
  

  1. Age of the dam: The dam is 116 years old as of 2011. It has outlived its expected life span of 50 years Mullaperiyar Dam Cite Note 15Mullaperiyar Dam Cite Note Mowrmpissue 6. Strengthening the existing dam has its limitations and may not prove to be effective in the event of a disaster (reference: Morvi Dam Failure)Mullaperiyar Dam Cite Note 16
  2. Construction Material: The dam was constructed using lime and mortar and archaiced 19th century construction techniques. Seepage and leaks from the dam have caused concernMullaperiyar Dam Cite Note 17.
  3. Earthquakes: The dam is situated in a seismically active zone Mullaperiyar Dam Cite Note 18. CESS has reported that the dam cannot withstand earthquakes above 6 point on the Richter scale[Wikipedia:citation Needed]. An earthquake measuring 4.5 on the Richter scale occurred on June 7, 1988 with maximum damage in Nedumkandam and Kallar (within 20 kms of the dam). Several earthquake tremors have occurred in the area in recent times. These could be reservoir-induced seismicity, requiring further studies according to experts.Mullaperiyar Dam Cite Note 19
  4. Changing weather patterns leading to incessant rains, flooding and overflow of the dam[Wikipedia:citation Needed].
  5. Inadequate safety maintenance and safety monitoring of the dam

  Potential adverse impact in the event of a disaster
  

  1. Loss of human life and property
  2. Impact on flora and fauna including identified endangered species in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
  3. Impact on tourism: Thekkady and Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary are important and popular tourist spots in Kerala[Wikipedia:citation Needed].
  4. Impact on Idukki Dam and the disastrous consequences of an Idukki Dam disaster[Wikipedia:citation Needed].
  5. Impact on agriculture, drinking water supply and power generation in southern Tamilnadu.
  6. Impact of a disaster on the general economy of Kerala and Tamilnadu.

  
• 

  Kaustubh Katdare

  Thread moved to CE Civil Engineering section from electrical and electronics engineering section.
  
  I just read some information about the dam here: Mullaperiyar Dam and found that there are indeed security concerns about the dam. The biggest one being the age of the dam; which is currently 116 years. The original lifespan of the dam was only at 60 years and it's already outlived it. After an earthquake in Kerala in 1979, the dam suffered cracks and and leakages. Experts have already warned that the dam won't be able to withstand any earthquake beyond the magnitude of 6 on the Richter scale. I'm not quite aware of the geography so those who've visited the dam might be able to shed some light on the causalities it may cause if broken.
  
  I'm also wondering whether there are any fixes that civil engineers can suggest.
• 

  CIVILPRINCESS

  it is in an earthquake prone zone which causes the major problem for us. i think we have three options in front of us...
  
  1) rehabilitate ( strengthen) the dam
  2) try to build a new dam downstream before this dam fails.
  3) we can reduce the storage capacity and hence reduce the load a little.
  
  i don't know if there is fault in what i'm saying. but this just struck me. maybe the government is using better method. anyone following it? 😀
• 

  Gandalf

  CIVILPRINCESS

  it is in an earthquake prone zone which causes the major problem for us. i think we have three options in front of us...
  
  1) rehabilitate ( strengthen) the dam
  2) try to build a new dam downstream before this dam fails.
  3) we can reduce the storage capacity and hence reduce the load a little.
  
  i don't know if there is fault in what i'm saying. but this just struck me. maybe the government is using better method. anyone following it? 😀

  It has already developed cracks due to an earlier earthquake
  It cannot sustain a earthquake above 6 Richter scale
  
  No, infact government is trying to use it at higher capacity
  It has a height of 53.6 m (176 ft) from the foundation and length of 365.7 m (1,200 ft)
  
  

  Kerala's Stance:

  Kerala did not object giving water to Tamil Nadu. Their main cause of objection is the dams safety as it is as old as 110 years. Increasing the level would add more pressure to be handled by already leaking dam.

  
  

  Tamil Nadu's Stance:

  The State wants that the 2006 order of Supreme court be implemented so as to increase the water level to 142 feet (43 m)

• 

  lal

  Another fact worth mentioning is, the lease indenture is signed for 999 years 😲 8000 acres of land for reservoir plus 100 acres for dam at 30 rupees per year.
  *nothing related to safety*
• 

  CIVILPRINCESS

  Gandalf

  It has already developed cracks due to an earlier earthquake
  It cannot sustain a earthquake above 6 Richter scale
  
  No, infact government is trying to use it at higher capacity
  It has a height of 53.6 m (176 ft) from the foundation and length of 365.7 m (1,200 ft)

  
  yeah it has already been mentioned that there has been cracks developed in it. 😀 i know that. but still we can come up with some rehabilitation method. hasn't any rehabilitation measure been attempted? if not why? because we rehabilitate only because the structure has cracks. so the cracks cannot be quoted as a reason.
  
  and the government's move to increase the capacity of the dam without any repair is a WRONG move. it will cause a lot more lateral load. this will superimpose with the lateral load due to the seismic activity and cause devastating effects. that is clear.
• 

  lal

  'That is clear' for everyone else except the government officials..!!!
• 

  CIVILPRINCESS

  I've got just one doubt guys. who are the engineers surveying the dam and analyzing the strength? i mean i don't know the organisation which has given the details that "the dam cannot withstand the earthquake of richter 6" ? i've not followed the problem closely and i'm not aware of some details. 👀
• 

  lal

  I am not exactly aware of more details about the engineers who do surveys at Mullaperiyar. But from various sources of news, have heard that both Govt. of Kerala and Govt. of Tamil Nadu have done different surveys.
• 

  Gandalf

  CIVILPRINCESS

  I've got just one doubt guys. who are the engineers surveying the dam and analyzing the strength? i mean i don't know the organisation which has given the details that "the dam cannot withstand the earthquake of richter 6" ? i've not followed the problem closely and i'm not aware of some details. 👀

  A Kerala State agency, Centre for Earth Science Studies (CESS), Thiruvananthapuram, had reported that the structure would not withstand an earthquake above magnitude 6 on the Richter Scale
• 

  Kaustubh Katdare

  Okay, what's the suggested fix for the dam again?
• 

  Gandalf

  The_Big_K

  Okay, what's the suggested fix for the dam again?

  Current safety concerns hinge around several issues. Since the dam was constructed using stone ruble masonry with lime mortar grouting following prevailing 19th century construction techniques that have now become archaic. Seepage and leaks from the dam have caused concern. Moreover, the dam is situated in a seismically active zone. An earthquake measuring 4.5 on the Richter scale occurred on June 7, 1988 with maximum damage in Nedumkandam and Kallar (within 20 km of the dam). Consequently several earthquake tremors have occurred in the area in recent times. These could be reservoir-induced seismicity, requiring further studies according to experts. CESS, IIT Roorkee and IISc have reported that the dam cannot withstand earthquakes above 6 point on the Richter scale.
  
  
  Source: Mullaperiyar Dam
  
  Kerala's Dam safety law declared mullaperiyar as endangered in 2009
  and a new dam construction was planned downstream
  TN approached SC for stay order but was rejected
  and
  Consequently, the survey was started in October, 2009. On Sept. 9, 2009 stated it had already communicated to the Government of India as well as to the Government of Kerala that there is no need for construction of a new dam by the Kerala Government, as the existing dam after it is strengthened, functions like a new dam
  and which is not true !!!
• 

  silverscorpion

  ^^ And why is it not true?
• 

  Gandalf

  silverscorpion

  ^^ And why is it not true?

  Study by roorkee iisc and cees clearly states it can't withstand quake over 6 ricter scale
• 

  Gandalf

  Ministry of Water Resources Press Release
  Mulla Periyar Dam issue
  1. On 29-10-1886 a lease indenture for 999 years was made between Maharaja of Travancore and Secretary of State for India for Periyar irrigation works by another agreement in 1970, Tamil Nadu was permitted to generate power also.
  
  2. The Mullaperiyar Dam was constructed during 1887-1895 across Periyar River in the then Travancore state (now Kerala) territory after said indenture. The Periyar Dam with full reservoir level of 152 ft. provides for diversion of water from the reservoir through a tunnel to Vaigai basin in Tamil Nadu for irrigation benefits in 68558 ha.
  
  3 In 1979, reports appeared in Kerala Press about the safety of Mulla Periyar Dam. On 25thNovember, 1979 Chairman, CWC held discussions at Thirvananthapuram regarding strengthening Periyar dam with officers of Irrigation and Electricity, Deptt. of Kerala and PWD of Tamil Nadu. In the meeting, emergency measures to be completed before next monsoon (1980), medium term measures and long-term measures for strengthening of Periyar Dam were decided. One of the emergency measures was to keep the shutters of spillway raised fully to lower the reservoir level to 136 ft.
  
  4. A second meeting under the Chairmanship of Chairman, CWC was held on 29th April 1980 atNew Delhi and it was opined that after the completion of emergency and medium term measures in the form of cable anchoring, the water level in the reservoir can be restored up to 145 ft.
  
  5. As per the Memorandum on the Rehabilitation of Mulla Periyar Dam prepared by CWC and forwarded to Tamil Nadu on 25th March, 1986, emergency measures were implemented. In the aforesaid Memo, CWC gave its recommendation about peak flood and size of additional vents to be added in the spillway for implementing remaining emergency measure of providing additional spilling capacity. It also gave its recommendation about the design details of concrete backing on the downstream face of the dam. Besides this, CWC suggested The Government of Tamil Nadu to examine the possibility of raising the top of RCC parapet by another two feet apart from few other suggestions. It was opined in the forwarding note that after completion of the proposed strengthening measures, provision of other additional vents and implementation of other suggestions, Periyar dam would be competent to hold water upto FRL of 152 ft.
  
  6. The matter became subjudice with several petitions in the Kerala and Tamil Nadu High Courts. All these cases were transferred to the Supreme Court which heard the matter and desired in its order dated 28.4.2000 that Hon’ble Minister (WR) may convene a meeting of the Chief Ministers of both the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu to amicably resolve the issue. .
  
  7. Hon’ble Minister (WR) convened the Inter-State meeting on 19.5.2000 and as decided in the meeting, an Expert Committee under Member (D&R), CWC with representatives from both States was constituted in June 2000 to study the safety of the dam with respect to strengthening of dam carried out by The Government of Tamil Nadu on the advice of Central Water Commission and advise regarding raising of water level in the reservoir beyond 136 ft as a result of strengthening of dam.
  
  8. The Committee in its report of March, 2001 opined that with the strengthening measures implemented, the water level can be raised from 136 ft. to 142 ft. without endangering safety of the dam. Further raising of water level to 152 ft. will be considered after balance strengthening measures are implemented.
  
  9. In the case of Transfer Petition (Civil) No. 779-783/1998 Dr. Subramanian Swamy Vs Tamil Nadu, the Report of the Expert Committee was filed in the Hon’ble Supreme Court on 31.8.2001 and also sent to the State Governments of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
  
  10 In writ Petition ( C) No. 386 of 2001 (Mulla Periyar Environmental Protection Forum Vs Union of India and Ors) the Supreme Court in its Judgement dated 27.2.2006, permitted the Government of Tamil Nadu to raise the water level of Mulla Periyar dam from 136 ft. to 142 ft. and take up the remaining strengthening measures.
• 

  Gandalf

  
  11. Consequent to the aforesaid orders of the Supreme Court of India, the Kerala Government passed the Kerala Irrigation and Water Conservation (Amendment) Act 2006 which received the assent of the Governor on 18th March 2006 which prohibited the raising of water level beyond 136 ft. in the Mulla Periyar Dam as Mullaperiyar Dam was placed under the Schedule of ‘Endangered Dams’.
  
  12. The Government of Tamil Nadu filed a suit No. 3 of 2006 - State of Tamil Nadu v/s State of Kerala and Union of India in the Hon’ble Supreme Court on 31.3.2006 praying for -
  
  (i) Declaration of Kerala Irrigation and Water Conservation (Amendment) Act 2006 passed by Kerala Legislature as unconstitutional in its application to and effect on Mulla Periyar Dam.
  (ii) Pass a decree of permanent injunction restraining Kerala from application and enforcing impunged legislation enforcing with or obstructing Tamil Nadu from increasing the water level to 142 feet and from carrying out the repair works as per judgment of Supreme Court dated 27th February 2006.
  
  13. A Review Petition filed by the State of Kerala on 3.4.2006 was dismissed by the Supreme Court on 27.7.2006.
  
  14. In the matter referred to in para 13 above, the Hon’ble Supreme Court has passed an order on 25.9.2006 stating “the two State Governments independently or with the intervention of the Union of India may try to sort out the dispute, if possible.
  
  15. The Hon’ble Union Minister (WR) convened an inter-State meeting of the Chief Ministers of States of Tamil Nadu & Kerala on Mulla periyar dam issue on 29.11.2006 at New Delhi. Hon’ble Union Minister (WR) further discussed matter with the Minister (WR/PW) from the States of Tamil Nadu & Kerala on18.12.2006. The States of Tamil Nadu and Kerala reiterated their respective stand in the meetings and no consensus could be reached regarding a solution acceptable to both States. The matter is now subjudice.
  
  16. Subsequently, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu met Hon’ble Prime Minister on 18.12.2007 and Hon’ble Prime Minister suggested him to have a meeting with Hon’ble Chief Minister of Kerala on Mulla Periyar issue. Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu met Hon’ble Chief Minister of Kerala on 19.12.2007 in presence of Hon’ble Union Minister of Water Resources. Further a letter dated 20.12.2007 was received from the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu mentioning that in the above meeting, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu suggested to oversee the seepage measurement of the dam by engineers not belonging to either of the two States through CWC and Hon’ble Chief Minister of Kerala agreed to consider them.
  
  17. Later, the Govt. of Tamil Nadu forwarded a letter dt 22/1/08 of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Kerala addressed to Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu wherein it is mentioned that in the meeting dt 19/12/2007 he suggested a joint mechanism to monitor the seepage. The Govt. of Tamil Nadu also enclosed a letter dated 4/2/2008 from Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu addressed to Hon’ble Chief Minister of Kerala wherein it is mentioned that joint monitoring was not discussed in the meeting.
  
  18. CWC was requested to suggest a suitable mechanism for monitoring the seepage and possible structure of the Committee to monitor it. They suggested a nine- member Committee headed by a Chief Engineer, Central Water Commission having representatives from both States for Monitoring the seepage of Mulla Periyar Dam. The composition of the Committee along with terms of reference was sent to Chief Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu and Kerala vide letter dated 28.4.2008 for their concurrence / suggestions.
  
  19. The Government of Tamil Nadu vide its letter dated 17.6.2008 has sent its comments on the proposed Monitoring Committee stating that the present proposal of the Government of India to constitute a Committee comprising officers from CWC, Tamil Nadu Government and Kerala Government to measure the seepage in Mulla Periyar Dam is not in conformity with the discussion held in the meeting dated 19.12.2007 and proposal will lead to more and more complications and thus not acceptable to Govt. of Tamil Nadu. The Govt. of Kerala vide letter dt 24.2.2009 informed that the stand taken by the Govt. of Tamil Nadu for neutral agency of experts excluding those form Kerala and Tamil Nadu is not acceptable to them.
  
  20. In the meanwhile, Govt. of Kerala has got done hydrological review studies from a professor of IIT, Delhi and has since filed the said hydrological studies report in the Hon’ble Supreme Court on 15.07.08 in connection with Suit No.3 of 2006 filed by the Government of Tamil Nadu. It has been concluded in the report that the Mulla Periyar dam is hydrologic ally unsafe for passing the estimated Probable Maximum Flood (2, 91,275 cusec / 8,248 cusec) with the existing spillway capacity. Comments of Hydrological Studies Organisation, CWC on the report were forwarded to the Govt. Advocate as per instructions of MoWR vide CWC letter dated 13.10.08. CWC has commented that the difference in the adopted values of Design Rainfall (Storm) depth, Time distribution of rainfall, Unit hydrograph & Infiltration rate have resulted in estimation of higher flood peak (PMF) and the said studies by the IIT Professor does not appear to be well founded.
  
  
• 

  Gandalf

  
  21. Meanwhile the Government of Kerala constituted a Committee in May 2009 which submitted its report in June, 2009. The Committee suggested mapping of the underwater area, installation of highly sensitive computer operated Seismograph and construction of a new Dam downstream of existing dam. The Committee has also opined that the dam has reached such a deteriorated condition that no amount of rectification work could salvage it to a safe and healthy condition. Keeping in view this report, Minister (WR) advised Chairman, CWC in July, 2009 to constitute a team of officers to visit the dam and assess the present condition of the Mulla Periyar dam and look into the issues raised in the report of the above Expert Committee. The team had proposed a visit to the dam from 22-25 July, 2009 and the conveniences of the Government of Kerala and Tamil Nadu for the visit were sought. The Government of Tamil Nadu agreed to the proposed visit but the Government of Kerala requested for postponement of the proposed visit because of torrential rains. Thereafter, the visit could not materialize.
  
  22. Thereafter, Secretary (WR) convened a meeting on the Mulla Periyar Dam on 31.7.2009. The meeting was attended among others by Principal Secretary, PWD, Tamil Nadu and Additional Chief Secretary, WRD, Kerala. In the meeting the representative of Kerala informed that the Kerala Govt. visualizes construction of new dam as the only feasible solution and they have started survey and investigation for a new dam at an alternate site downstream of the existing dam and they may also consider the construction of a new dam at their own cost. Representative of Kerala stated in the meeting that the Govt. of Kerala also recognizes the established uses of water from the dam by Tamil Nadu as per the existing agreement between the two States and will continue the same after the construction of a new dam. In the said meeting the representative of Govt. of Tamil Nadu informed that the Govt. of Tamil Nadu would examine the proposal of the Govt. of Kerala for new Dam after the same is formally received from them. In view of this, Hon’ble Minister (WR) vide DO dated 26.08.2009 requested Hon’ble Chief Minister, Kerala to send the proposal in this regard to the Govt. of Tamil Nadu for their consideration.
  
  23. Later, Govt. of Tamil Nadu vide letter dated 14.9.09 mentioned that as regards the decision that has emerged in the meeting, to examine the proposal of the Kerala Government for the construction of a new dam by Tamil Nadu Government, the Government of Tamil Nadu had already communicated to the Government of India as well as to the Government of Kerala that there is no need for construction of a new dam by the Kerala Government, as the existing dam after it is strengthened, functions like a new dam. They also mentioned that Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in his letter dated 13.07.09 to Hon’ble Chief Minister of Kerala had mentioned that Kerala Govt. may not raise the issue of new dam any more.
  
  24. The Govt. of Kerala vide letter dated 26.9.2009 sent comments on the minutes of the meeting dated 31.7.2009 mentioning that the statement “The Govt. of Kerala also recognizes the established use of water from the dam by the Tamil Nadu as per the existing agreement between the two States and continue the same after the construction of new dam” is not acceptable. What was mentioned in the meeting was that Kerala is willing to give water to Tamil Nadu.
  
  25. Further, Hon’ble Supreme Court heard the issues related to Mulla Periyar Dam on 10.11.2009 and passed the order that,
  “As the case involves the resolution of said questions, the suit may be placed before the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India for necessary directions for placing it before a constitution Bench.
  
  The contesting parties shall maintain status quo in respect of Mulla Periyar Dam as existing today. However, order of status quo will not be an impediment for the plaintiff (State ofTamil Nadu) to carry out maintenance and repairs for proper upkeep of the said Dam.”
  
  
  26. The case was heard by five judges on 18.2.2010 and the Court directed Central Govt. to constitute an empowered Committee in this regard which would hear the parties to the suit on all issues that will be raised before them, and furnish a report, as far as possible, with in six months from their constitution.
  
  27 Following the order of Hon’ble Supreme Court dated 29.02.2010, Centre (MoWR) has constituted an Empowered Committee vide Notification dated the 30th April, 2010. The Committee started its functioning and was to submit its report within six months period. Further, Supreme Court vide its order dated 20th September, 2010 has extended the term of Committee by a further period of six months. Therefore, implementing the said directions of the Supreme Court, the Central Government extends, the terms of Empowered Committee for a further period of six months w.e.f. 30th October, 2010 vide Notification dated the 28th October, 2010.
  
  source: #-Link-Snipped-#
• 

  Gandalf

  All the sequence of events is mentioned in Press release !!!
  
  Cean's should suggest recommendations based on it
• 

  Gandalf

  Another useful article
  
  Barrage of battles - Times of India
• 

  CIVILPRINCESS

  i just read about the mullaperiyar dam issue.
  there has already been a report submitted in 2006 where the technical team of

  National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) had stated it safe. ​

  February 2006, the Supreme Court stated that the dam was safe. It permitted Tamil Nadu to raise the water level to 142 ft initially.​

  this is what i understand.
  
  1. dam is in Seizmic Zone III, which stands for “moderately active”. not a high seismic zone... atmost a 3 richter quake will only strike.
  2. it has no major failures shown and can be easily retrofitted to serve longer.
  3. the "Kallanai" is a dam in Tamil nadu which was Built in the second century AD, it is all of 1900 years old and absolutely safe. also it is built of same surkhi mortar as the Mullai Periyar dam. so saying that the dam is vulnerable to damage just because it is 116 years old is nonsense.
  4. of course we can't be sure of it to serve the same years as kallanai. but the Tamil Nadu side only wants to increase the life of the dam a little longer by retrofitting till a proper solution or another idea is got. and increase the water height to the height which is suggested safe by the NDMA.
  
  the Kerala people are concerned about the safety which is essential for any human to live and the Tamil Nadu people are concerned about their water security which is very important for their occupation to continue. so a proper conclusion must be arrived at sooner and must satisfy both trhe sides.
• 

  CIVILPRINCESS

  but we cannot arrive at a permanent solution immediately. but we can arrive at this temporary solution till we get an alternative source and the dam can be removed...
• 

  lal

  Source : The Hindu
  The proposed new dam by Kerala at Mullaperiyaar is 2 feet taller than the present one. The proposed dam has 160 feet height and can store more water than the existing one. But contrary to the old stand of Kerala in not increasing the water level so as the Periyar Tiger Reserve will not be affected, the present design will submerge a considerable portion of the same in the event of a flood.
  
  #-Link-Snipped-#
• 

  Kaustubh Katdare

  It would be interesting to see our CEans coming up with their own design drafts for the fix. What say? Can interested CEans submit their own designs for a possible fix?
• 

  lal

  It would be really interesting to see some CE designs.
  
  Something very very unrelated to the topic. Not sure If it can be posted 😁
  Nostradamus, a French astrological consultant, who is famous for his book 'The prophecies' which is said to contain a thousand predictions by him and what many people believe have been true and will be true, is said to have written in his book about the burst of Mullaperiyar. According to the prediction, in June -July when monsoon starts in Kerala, the Mullaperiyar dam will be subject to immense pressure that might lead to unwanted happenings.
  But many people say, Nostradamus has written his predictions in such a way that any thing that happens can be related to his writings. His writings does not seem to point to exact things by being very unclear and ambiguous.