The Mullaperiyar Dam recorded an alarmingly low storage of 112.9 feet in mid‑July, a steep drop from 131.4 feet at the same time last year. This decline is straining not only Kerala but also the bordering districts of Tamil Nadu that rely heavily on the reservoir for irrigation.

Current Situation

Assistant Field Director of Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) R. Lakshmi noted that boating and related tourism activities in Thekkady are proceeding, but warned that if the water level falls below 110 feet, these operations could be halted. Persistent low levels risk curtailing tourism revenue and the livelihoods of local communities.

Agricultural Impact

Approximately 1.5 lakh acres of farmland – including 14,700 hectares in Theni district alone – depend on Mullaperiyar water. With the reservoir dry, fields remain barren. Manoharan, a caretaker of paddy farms in Gudalur, explained that farmers normally harvest two rice seasons with rain and dam water. This year, despite spending nearly ₹20,000 per acre to prepare the land, the lack of water has stalled sowing, risking a complete loss of the season.

Tourism and Drinking‑Water Risks

As the water level recedes, boating in the Periyar Tiger Reserve could be suspended, undermining eco‑tourism in Thekkady. Moreover, the Kumily and Chakkupallom panchayats, which source drinking water from the reservoir, face potential shortages, threatening basic public health needs.

State‑Level Responses

Tamil Nadu typically draws water from Mullaperiyar starting the first week of June for a 120‑day window, but only after the reservoir reaches at least 118 feet. In a bid for rain, farmers organized an inter‑faith prayer meeting at the dam’s shutter, with Muslim, Christian and Hindu clergy joining the appeal. A similar low‑storage crisis in 2019 also prompted interstate prayers, yet rainfall remained insufficient.