Maintain level of Mullaperiyar dam water at 139.99 feet: SC

The Supreme Court on Friday said the water level in Kerala's Mullaperiyar dam should be maintained at 139.99 feet till August 31.

The apex court's decision came a day after Kerala Government told the apex court that the sudden release of water from the dam is one of the reasons for flooding in the state. It also informed the top court that the Tamil Nadu Government ignored its request to control water flow from the dam during the floods, which aggravated the situation.

The Mullaperiyar Dam, which was built in 1886, has been a bone of contention between Tamil Nadu and Kerala from the past many years. This dam is located in Kerala but is maintained and managed by the Tamil Nadu government.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E. Palaniswami, however, refuted Kerala's allegation and termed it 'false and baseless'.

"Water from Mullaperiyar Dam was released one week after the floods struck Kerala. It was not done immediately after the floods. Three warnings were issued, first at 139 feet, second at 141 feet and third warning at 142 feet. Water was released in a phased manner," Palaniswami said.