Jean Puthenpurackal, a Tenured Professor and Philanthropist from the City of Chicago, addressed a strong statement against the Government of India, The Supreme Court of India and the State of Tamil Nadu to the United Nations Human Rights Council. On behalf of the Keralite American Association, he filed a petition to the UN’s Human Rights Council on April 19th, 2020, about decommissioning the 120 years old Mullaperiyar Dam. The 10-page petition briefly described the upcoming potential threat, which is known as Reservoir- Induced Seismicity (RIS). Recently he came across many tremors reported in Idukki District and the concerns raised at the Indian parliament by Dean Kuriakose, the MP of Idukki District. The research he has done and discussions with many Geology Professors and Seismologists in the United States contemplated the reservoirs in the Idukki district itself, causing the tremors and minor earthquakes due to Reservoir induced seismicity.

Moreover, the great flood occurred in 2018, 2019 triggered pressure variations in the reservoirs, and the probability of high magnitude earthquakes are higher during the upcoming monsoon season in the State of Kerala. Prof. Jean Puthenpurackal warned about the forthcoming catastrophe, which may cause the death of 4 million people, and the existence of a 120-year-old dam is actively violating the 3rd article of the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights. He mentioned, it couldn’t be justified under any circumstances considering basic humanity and the safety of 4 million people. As a member of the United Nations, India is committed to following the Universal rules of Human Rights, according to the General Assembly occurred on December 10th, 1948.

Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of person. The petition stated a high magnitude earthquake would occur anytime sooner or later due to RIS and the probability of collapse of the Mullaperiyar dam is high during a high magnitude earthquake. Prof. Jean Puthenpurackal’s condition would be reopening the binding decision of the Supreme Court of India with the guidance of the United Nations under Article 137, 145 of the Indian Constitution, and Article 3 of the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Supreme Court of India has the power to review any judgment pronounced by the Court, and State governments will have less role if the United Nations get involved. Keralite American Association President Jibin John Eapen, Director Bigi Philip Edat, and other members of the organization stated they would continue to support the legal battle until the Dam is decommissioned for the safety of 4 million residents who will be affected.

From the desk of KAA