Order of the Supreme Court of India in the matter of Russel Joy Vs Union of India & Others dated 17/08/2018 regarding sustenance and management of the Mullaperiyar Dam.

Supreme Court emphasised that the flood situation prevailing in the State of Kerala requires to be addressed with focus, concentration and efficiency by all concerned, both at the national and State levels. Supreme Court suggests that the Sub-Committee constituted under Section 9 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the National Crises Management Committee (NCMC) and the Committee constituted on the basis of the directions issued by the Constitution Bench of this Court can hold consultative meetings bearing two purposes in mind, namely, to explore the possibility of bringing down the water level at least to 139 feet and secondly, measures should be taken while releasing water from the dam to ensure that down stream inhabitants of that area are not affected.

Supreme Court directs an affidavit to be filed by the Chief Secretary of the State of Kerala to show what steps have been taken to meet the disaster management and the steps taken for the purpose of rescue operation/ rehabilitation and also made it clear that the decision taken with regard to bringing down of the water level of Mullaperiyar Dam shall be scrupulously obeyed by the State of Tamil Nadu.