Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 6 (BPNS)
After heavy rains in catchment areas and the water level rising, the shutters of the Idukki dam were opened at 10 am on Sunday. The shutters were opened after 3 sound alarms were given at 9.55, 9.57, and 9. 59.
One shutter of the dam is now raised to 70 cm to release 50000 litres of water ( about 50 cusecs).
It is to be noted that Idukki dam managed by the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) can accommodate 2403 feet of water and its upper rule curve is 2383.54 feet,
The decision to open the shutter and release water was taken after the water level exceeded the permitted capacity as per the rule curve of the reservoir.
State Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine while speaking to BPNS said, “ All necessary precautions have been taken and people living in the banks of Cheruthoni town have been given a red alert. However, there is no need to shift people from their residences as of now. The district administration, police, fire, and rescue department are on a high alert but the situation is under total control and even during the floods of 2018, there were not many issues on the release of water from Idukki dam.”
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of the possibility of heavy rains in Kerala till August 9th. Idukki district administration has already issued a red alert to those living on the banks of the Periyar river.
The water from Idukki is to reach Kavalangad in Ernakulam district in 1 hour and 10 minutes. The water is to reach Kalady in 4 hours, Aluva in 9 hours and Varappuzha in 12 hours.
