Roshy Augustine dismisses reports of opening shutters of Malankara Dam without warning

Kochi: Minister for Water Resources Roshy Augustine has dismissed claims that the shutters of the Malankara Dam were raised without prior warning, calling them false propaganda.

His remarks come in the wake of reports that five of the six shutters of the Malankara Dam in Idukki were opened, leading to a sudden rise in water levels in the Thodupuzha and Muvattupuzha rivers.

The minister stated that the district administration has been directed to exercise caution in such matters. He emphasised that there is no cause for concern regarding dam water levels across the state, and in most reservoirs, water levels remain below 30 percent of total storage capacity.

According to reports, the shutters were opened during the early hours of Sunday. While it is standard practice to open shutters to regulate water levels—especially when red alerts are issued—opening five shutters simultaneously is considered significant and usually requires prior public notification.

When asked about the upcoming Nilambur byelection, following the announcement of polling dates by the Election Commission, Augustine said that the LDF will be entering the contest with full confidence.