Is Mullapperiyar an Issue?

Nowadays the Medias of both Kerala and Tamilnadu is behind the Mullaperiyar issue. Actually what is Mullaperiyar issue? Why this issue is much discussed?

Mullaperiyar Dam is a masonry gravity dam on the Periyar River. It is located 881 m (2,890 ft) above mean sea level on the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats in Thekkady, Idukki District of Kerala, South India. It was constructed between 1887 and 1895 by the British Government to divert water eastwards to Madras Presidency area (the present-day Tamil Nadu). It has a height of 53.6 m (176 ft) from the foundation and length of 365.7 m (1,200 ft). The Periyar National Park in Thekkady is located around the dam's reservoir. The dam and the river are owned by and located in Kerala but the dam is controlled and operated under a period lease by neighboring Tamil Nadu state. The safety of the dam has been a matter of concern. Control and safety of the dam and validity and fairness of the lease agreement have been points of dispute between Kerala and Tamil Nadu states. The dam is an 'endangered' scheduled dam under the Kerala Irrigation and Water Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2006.

The people of Kerala and Tamilnadu lived in harmony till now. But this issue made people to think in a different way. It is not very easy to break the relation between Kerala and Tamilnadu. The commercial relation is very strong between two states. Also Famous religious places are located in both states.

The new development affected the people of both states. The political parties and the organizations are protesting from each side. Both sides have their own reasons for doing it. Safety is important for Kerala side while water is necessary for Tamil farmers to live.

Actually who is benefitting out of this issue? Or who are suffering? or who are behind this whole issue?

 References 1. wikipedia