Representational image I Idukki dam | Photo: PR Sreejith
Idukki: One shutter of Cheruthoni dam under Idukki reservoir has been opened on Sunday at 2 pm. The shutter was raised by 40 centimetres. 40,000-litre water is being released from the dam per second.
The heavy rain led to the water level in the dam rising to the red alert mark, prompting the government to open one of the shutters of Cheruthoni dam of Idukki reservoir in the afternoon.
Kerala Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine, in a Facebook post, said that in view of heavy rains in southern parts of the state, it has been decided to raise the shutters of the dam by 40 centimetres to control the rising water level there.
At present, the water level of the Idukki reservoir is recorded at 2398.9 feet, close to the red alert mark of 2399.03 feet. The water level in various places along the Periyar was seen to be rising during the heavy rains in the morning, according to the state government.
The officials have informed that there is no need for any concern. The authorities have decided to open the dam as the water level continues to rise in Mullaperiyar.
If Mullaperiyar dam’s spillway shutters are opened, more water will flow to the Idukki dam. Hence, the authorities have decided to open Idukki dam for adjusting the water level.
Meanwhile, the district authorities have alerted people residing close to the Periyar basin to exercise caution.
As per the upper rule curve, the water capacity of the Idukki dam is 2400.03 ft. If rainfall strengthens, the dam shutters will be opened to release more water. Meanwhile, one of the generators of the powerhouse is under repair. The officials reported that it will be fixed by evening.
The water level in Mullaperiyar dam rose to 140 feet. Following this, the shutters of the dam will be opened in the next 24 hours, Tamil Nadu informed Kerala.
There was heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of the dam since Saturday evening. As per the figures obtained since last night, over 4000 cubic feet water per hour flowed into the dam. When the water level touched 140 feet, Tamil Nadu warned Kerala.
The opening of dam shutters will be decided according to the rainfall in catchment areas. As per the figures till November 20, water storage in the dam can be upto 141 feet. It is learnt that the dam shutters will be opened shortly, if the downpour continues. Meanwhile, the water level in Idukki dam rose to 2398.76 feet.
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