"Under no circumstances will Kerala permit raising the water level of the Mullaperiyar Dam beyond 142 feet. We are passing through a period of heightened concern regarding the safety of the Mullaperiyar Dam," he said. "Consequently, Tamil Nadu has been requested to subject the dam to inspections, including those specified by the Supreme Court. Joseph said Kerala had also sought before the Supreme Court that the National Dam Safety Authority itself should conduct a comprehensive safety inspection of the Mullaperiyar dam. Kerala's demand is that its representative should be appointed after consulting the state, just as Tamil Nadu nominates its representative," he said.