Kerala will never agree to raising the water level in the Mullaperiyar dam in Idukki district, Minister for Water Resources Mons Joseph said in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday. Mr. Joseph reacted strongly to the announcement in the 2026-27 Tamil Nadu State Budget, presented on Wednesday, regarding Tamil Nadu’s plans to “pursue” the raising of the water level in the Mullaperiyar dam. Following the Tamil Nadu Budget announcement, Mr. Joseph chaired a high-level meeting in Thiruvananthapuram and also held discussions with Chief Minister V.D. The State has put forward a suggestion that guarantees the safety of the people of Kerala and water for Tamil Nadu,” Mr. Joseph said. The Supreme Court has so far accepted an approach where the water level is maintained at 142 ft.