The Mullaperiyar Dam is a controversial issue that has been a bone of contention between the Indian states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu for years. Located in Kerala but controlled by Tamil Nadu, the dam has been a subject of heated debate due to concerns about its safety and its impact on the surrounding environment.

The agreement governing the Mullaperiyar Dam was signed in 1886 between the Maharaja of Travancore and the British government, which was then ruling India. The agreement allowed for the construction of the dam on the Periyar River for the purpose of irrigation and power generation.

However, since then, there have been several disputes between the two states regarding the safety of the dam. Kerala has raised concerns about the age of the dam and the potential for it to collapse, while Tamil Nadu has argued that the dam is safe and that any threat to its stability is exaggerated.

Additionally, there have been concerns about the impact of the dam on the surrounding environment, particularly on the wildlife and the forests in the area.

The controversy around the Mullaperiyar Dam has also been fueled by political and cultural tensions between the two states. Kerala, which is predominantly Malayalam-speaking, sees the dam as an infringement on its sovereignty and a symbol of Tamil Nadu`s dominance. Tamil Nadu, which is predominantly Tamil-speaking, sees the dam as a vital source of water for its agriculture and industry and has resisted efforts to reduce its control over the dam.

Despite these tensions, efforts have been made to resolve the dispute. In 2014, the Supreme Court of India ruled that the dam was safe and that Tamil Nadu could continue to control it. The court also ordered the appointment of a committee to oversee the maintenance of the dam and to address the concerns of both states.

However, the issue remains unresolved, and tensions continue to simmer between Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The Mullaperiyar Dam remains a symbol of the complex political, cultural, and environmental challenges facing India, and its resolution will require careful negotiation and compromise from both states.

In conclusion, the Mullaperiyar Dam agreement between Kerala and Tamil Nadu continues to be a contentious issue that has been ongoing for over a century. The safety of the dam and its impact on the environment, as well as cultural and political tensions, have all contributed to the ongoing dispute. It is clear that a resolution will require cooperation and compromise from both states, as well as a commitment to finding a solution that benefits the people and the environment of the region.