The underwater inspection using a remotely operated vehicles at the Mullaperiyar dam.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
An underwater inspection using a remotely operated vehicle (RoV) began at the Mullaperiyar dam in Idukki on Tuesday to assess the structural integrity of the dam.
According to sources, the inspection is being conducted on the dam’s waterfront portion to determine its strength.
The inspection of the 1,200-ft-long structure is being carried out in 100-metre segments. After each 100-metre section is inspected, the dam’s width will be further divided into 50-metre intervals for a more detailed ROV sweep.
Finally, the middle portion of the dam will be divided into 10-metre sections to collect high-resolution images of the waterfront area.
Sources said earlier studies conducted by the Kerala government had found that the lime-surki mortar and cement mix had eroded, leaving stones visible at a depth of 110 ft.
The ROV study was being conducted following a directive from the Supreme Court. The research was being led by experts from the Central Soil and Materials Research Station, Delhi, using an ROV brought from France.
Published – December 23, 2025 08:59 pm IST
