In 1895, Mullaperiyar Dam was constructed over the source of the Periyar River in Kerala. The Periyar National Park is located around the backwaters of this dam. During the rule of the British in India a 999-year lease was made and accordingly, the Government of Tamil Nadu has been operating the dam. The dam has since then been a major source irrigation for the agricultural belt of central Tamil Nadu districts.

After Indian independence, the area surrounding the location of the dam was merged with Kerala State. Tamil Nadu used the water from the Mullaperiyar Dam and river Periyar for extending irrigation requirements and later for power generation on the basis of unofficial agreements between the governments of the two states.

Dam was built during the colonial rule to redirect the waters of the west-flowing Periyar River eastwards, through the construction of a granite dam, and channelized the water to Theni, Madurai District, Sivaganga District and Ramanathapuram districts of Tamil Nadu.

Water is brought through a 1.6 km long tunnel till the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border and then flows through open canals to Churuliyar river which feeds the Vaigai dam in Tamil Nadu. From there a network of canals take the water to the fields.

The two states have been arguing about the Mullaperiyar dam and the government of Tamil Nadu has proposed an increase in the storage level of the dam from the currently maintained 136 feet to 142 feet. Kerala is asking for the construction of a new dam saying that the existing structure had outlived its safety and longevity. Kerala also cited the safety of the people of the state can be in danger from the existing high-risk structure.

The Lethal Water Bombs, a 21-minute documentary about Mullaperiyar dam, directed by Sohan Roy, a naval architect by profession, is an eye opener for considering construction of a new dam. It has been declared best documentary (Short) by the Los Angeles Cinema Festival of Hollywood Spring 2011. The documentary highlights the need for a secured future for those people who spend sleepless nights afraid of a possible dam collapse.

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