Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) is making efforts to revive the Athirappilly Hydro Electric Power Project, which had previously been abandoned due to concerns over environmental impact. This renewed attempt aims to harness the tourism potential of the region. The KSEB board of directors has approved the revision of the project model to integrate these possibilities.

A company called De Earth has been appointed to provide recommendations for the revised model. The current proposal seeks to present Athirappilly as the first integrated power generation and tourism project in Kerala. KSEB Chairman and Managing Director Biju Prabhakar stated that the intention is to introduce the concept to the public through this study.

During periods of low rainfall, the Peringalkuthu and Sholayar hydroelectric projects, which are situated upstream of Athirappilly, operate at full capacity only during the night. By collecting the water that flows through the waterfall into the reservoir designed under the project, KSEB plans to release it through the waterfall during the daytime.

This method, KSEB claims, will enhance the beauty and appeal of the Athirappilly waterfalls even during the summer months. The board also argues that the proposed dam would help manage the flow of the Chalakudy River, thereby reducing the risk of floods.

New opportunities for tourism, such as boating activities, are expected to be created in the water body. KSEB also proposes that, if the Central government permits seaplane services to states, Athirappilly’s water body could serve as a seaplane landing site.