Thiruvananthapuram, June 22: CPI(M) MP Dr. John Brittas has strongly opposed the decision to remove Kerala’s representative from the independent expert committee formed to assess the safety of the Mullaperiyar Dam. He expressed his concerns in a letter to Union Minister of Jal Shakti, C.R. Patil, regarding the National Dam Safety Authority’s decision.
Dr. Brittas stated that the removal of former Chief Engineer of the Central Water Commission, T.K. Shivrajan, was made without prior consultation with the Kerala government. This decision has deprived Kerala of its sole representation on the committee, which is evaluating the safety of the over-a-century-old Mullaperiyar Dam located in the state.
The MP emphasized that the issue surrounding the Mullaperiyar Dam is not merely about water distribution between two states; it is a serious humanitarian concern affecting the safety, lives, and livelihoods of millions. He highlighted the necessity of trust and participation from all stakeholders in the safety assessment process, especially for those living in the dam’s lower regions.
Dr. Brittas asserted that including the voice of the relevant state in any expert committee is essential for transparency and fairness. He accused the authorities of undermining the spirit of cooperative federalism by removing the representative without discussion with Kerala, which could raise questions about the committee’s credibility.
He also objected to the inclusion of a member from another state in place of T.K. Shivrajan without prior consultation with the Kerala government. He argued that the state where the dam is located and whose residents are most likely to be affected in an emergency cannot be sidelined and informed only after decisions are made.
The MP stated that providing information after a decision cannot replace the consultation process. He described this as contrary to the principles of natural justice and the spirit of the Dam Safety Act, 2021.
Dr. Brittas called for the Union Minister’s personal intervention to reconsider the decision. He urged that any changes related to the Mullaperiyar Dam should involve proper consultation with the Kerala government, ensuring effective representation for the state.
He expressed hope that the central government would uphold transparency, equal representation, and the principles of cooperative federalism to maintain public trust in dam safety measures.
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