Kerala has achieved a significant victory as the Central Water Commission (CWC) has agreed to conduct a comprehensive safety audit of the Mullaperiyar Dam within 12 months, responding to long-standing safety concerns. Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine expressed that while Tamil Nadu relies on the dam for water, Kerala demands guarantees regarding its safety, especially given the dam's age and recent natural disasters. This inspection will be the first detailed assessment since 2011 and will evaluate the dam's structural integrity, earthquake resilience, and flood safety by an impartial team of experts. Tamil Nadu had previously argued that the inspection could be postponed until 2026 under the Dam Safety Act; however, the CWC rejected this claim. The last inspection was held under a Supreme Court-appointed committee, and the new audit will address various safety aspects as proposed by Kerala. Local residents are hopeful about the decision, emphasizing the need for urgent safety measures due to the dam's aging structure.