Kerala seeks talks after TN renews push to raise Mullaperiyar water levelThe Mullaperiyar dam dispute has resurfaced after Tamil Nadu reiterated its plan to raise the reservoir's water level. There had been considerable expectations that the personal rapport and political proximity between then Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his Tamil Nadu counterpart M.K. Reiterating Kerala’s stand, Mons Joseph said the Mullaperiyar dam has not undergone the comprehensive safety evaluations that the state has consistently demanded. The existing water level of 142 feet is being maintained strictly under Supreme Court directions, and neither Kerala nor Tamil Nadu has the authority to alter it independently, he said. The Tamil Nadu Budget stated that the government would pursue raising the Mullaperiyar water level in accordance with existing agreements, tribunal awards and judicial directions.