Chennai: Tamil Nadu has renewed its push to raise the water level of the Mullaperiyar Dam to 142 feet, a move likely to reignite its long-running dispute with neighbouring Kerala over the safety of the ageing reservoir. Presenting the state Budget on Wednesday, Tamil Nadu Finance Minister N. Marie Wilson said the government would take steps to increase the dam's storage level to 142 feet. Although the Supreme Court had earlier permitted the increase, the water level has remained at 136 feet following persistent safety concerns raised by the Kerala government. The review is being conducted under the Dam Safety Act, 2021, by a team comprising specialists in dam engineering, earthquake engineering and dam management. With the panel expected to submit its findings by December 2026, both Kerala and Tamil Nadu are closely monitoring the process.