Mullaiperiyar Dam

Tamilnadu > Theni > Mullaiperiyar Dam

The Mullai Periyar dam is of a unique distinction of being one of the oldest irrigation Projects in the country for diversion of water to meet out the requirements of the drought prone area of the deficit water State of Tamilnadu in the concept of Trans-basin. This dam was constructed during the year 1887-1898 across the river Periyar based on the lease deed of 1886.

Even though the catchments water spread and the dam are being located in the territory of State of Kerala, the dam is being owned, maintained and operated by Government of Tamilnadu. The water from the Periyar Lake is being diverted through the water shed cutting and a subterrancan tunnel to Vairavanar River and thence to Suruliyar & Vaigai. Before construction of fore-bay dam, all the waters were hurled out from the month of the tunnel. After constructing fore bay dam, all the water drawn from Periyar lake and fore bay dam has been let out into Vairavanar River from tail race of power house after utilization for power generation.