Security forces in Kerala’s Idukki district were mobilized on Monday, October 13, 2025, to conduct extensive searches at the more than century-old Mullaperiyar dam. This urgent operation was prompted by a direct bomb threat targeting the crucial reservoir.
The threat was delivered via an email received by the District Collectorate in the neighboring Thrissur district, police officials confirmed.
Upon receiving the alarming information, a specialized team of police officers, accompanied by a bomb disposal squad, immediately deployed to the dam site. They commenced a meticulous search of the entire area.
As of the latest reports, no suspicious items have been discovered. A police officer stated, “Nothing suspicious has been found so far. The inspection is still continuing.”
The Mullaperiyar dam, which dates back to 1895, is a long-standing point of contention between Tamil Nadu, which manages and operates the dam, and Kerala, where it is physically located. This delicate situation adds gravity to any security concerns.
Notably, this bomb threat emerged on the same day the Supreme Court intervened in the ongoing debate surrounding the dam’s structural integrity. The apex court issued notices to the Central government, the Tamil Nadu and Kerala state governments, and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). This action followed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that highlighted worries over the 130-year-old dam’s safety and stability, pushing for the construction of a replacement.