John Pennycuick, Colonial Civil Engineer, Madras Presidency - His Legacy and Honors

John Pennycuick is a revered figure in Southern Tamil Nadu, particularly for his work on the Mullaperiyar Dam, which provided irrigation to drought-prone regions covering, Theni, Madurai, Dindigul , Sivaganga districts of Tamil Nadu.and transformed the local agriculture and economy. To this day, his name is well-known even among children, symbolizing resilience and generosity for completing the dam despite numerous challenges.

John Pennycuick and Mullaperiyar Dam, kollytalk.com

Honors and Contributions:

Madras Legislative Council: Pennycuick was nominated in November 1893.

Engineering Leadership: He was the last president of the Royal Indian Engineering College at Coopers Hill.

Public Health and Education: He served as President of the Sanitary Board and was a faculty member at the University of Madras.

Recognition for Engineering Excellence: Awarded the Telford Medal by the Institution of Civil Engineers.

International Consultation: Advised the Australian government on flood prevention for the Brisbane River in 1899.

Location Mullaiperiyar dam.www.frontline.in
The Mullaperiyar Dam:

Built from 1887 to 1895 on the Periyar River in Kerala, the Mullaperiyar Dam is a masonry gravity dam, measuring 53.6 meters (176 feet) in height and 365.7 meters (1,200 feet) in length. Located in Kerala’s Idukki District, it is operated by Tamil Nadu and continues to supply essential water to arid areas in the state. Pennycuick ingeniously used lime and surki paste, ensuring durability against bhe Sivagiri Hills of Western Ghat.oth hydrostatic pressure and minor tremors. The crux of the problem is the catchment area is in Kerala.  

The Mullaperiyar Dam issue has to be solved by both states not detrimental to the interest and welfare of the people in the respective states. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mullaperiyar_Dam

Ministry of Water Resources (2 December 2011). "Mulla Periyar Dam issue". Govt. of India. Retrieved 6 December 2011.