Thiruvananthapuram: The allegation that the 2018 floods that devastated Keralam were partly man-made is gaining renewed traction, with fresh evidence intensifying the political debate. An audio recording of LDF Minister K. Krishnankutty, released by Mathew Kuzhalnadan MLA, has triggered major discussions across the state’s political landscape.
With Kuzhalnadan hints that more evidence will be made public, the Left Front finds itself on the defensive during a crucial election season. The core allegation is that the then Irrigation Minister Mathew T. Thomas was involved in corruption linked to the opening of shutters at the Thottapilly spillway, allegedly to benefit the black sand lobby. In a significant development, a senior leader from within the same political fold, K. Krishnankutty, has released an audio clip that appears to substantiate these claims. The opposition has long argued that the simultaneous opening of multiple dams during the floods, coupled with the failure to adhere to the scientifically prescribed ‘rule curve’, exacerbated the scale and intensity of the disaster.
CAG report slams the government
While the government continues to defend its position by citing findings from the Central Water Commission and studies conducted by IIT Madras, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit report has raised serious concerns. According to the report, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) admitted that standard operating procedures and established norms were not strictly followed during the management of dam water levels in the flood period.
The audit further pointed out that the release of water from the Mullaperiyar dam without adequate warning could have endangered the structural safety of the Idukki dam. Consequently, water had to be discharged in a regulated manner, which inadvertently intensified the flooding downstream. Despite these observations, the official stance of the government remains unchanged, dismissing certain independent studies, including those by IIT Gandhinagar, as unscientific.
The Central Water Commission maintains that major reservoirs such as Idukki and Idamalayar attempted to retain as much water as possible and attributes the disaster primarily to unprecedented rainfall. The government reiterates that river flows during the period were nearly six times their carrying capacity, making the floods unavoidable. In the wake of these revelations, the opposition parties have launched strong protests across constituencies in Pathanamthitta district. Election campaigns in Thiruvalla, Ranni, and Aranmula constituencies have been temporarily halted, with candidates joining a satyagraha protest. Demonstrations are particularly intense in Thiruvalla, where Mathew T. Thomas is contesting once again. The opposition is demanding a comprehensive investigation into the alleged black sand corruption and strict legal action against those held responsible for the devastating floods.
