Kumily/Idukki: The 13 spillway shutters of the Mullaperiyar Dam were opened on Sunday to release excess water, after the reservoir touched the permissible level of 136 feet. Although the shutters were initially scheduled to open at 10 am, officials later revised the timing to 12 noon. However, the shutters were opened slightly earlier, at 11:35 am.Each shutter has been raised by 10 cm, and around 250 cusecs of water per second is being discharged.

By 10 pm on Saturday, the reservoir had touched the 136 ft mark. In response, the Idukki district administration issued the first warning to Tamil Nadu and requested that spillway shutters not be opened during the night. Officials urged Tamil Nadu to carry out the release only during daytime to ensure safety and better coordination.

Authorities have assessed that the Periyar river is currently flowing at a low level. According to the district administration, even if water is released from the dam, no major issues are expected along the riverbanks. However, precautionary measures have been taken. Alerts have been issued for the possible relocation of 883 families. 20 relief camps have been opened and residents have been informed they may shift there if needed.

Earlier release delayed due to low rainfall

Tamil Nadu PWD officials had indicated on Friday that the dam was likely to be opened once the level reached 136 feet. However, the plan was delayed due to dull rainfall in the catchment areas and an increased tunnel discharge. The average inflow was recorded at 3,867 cusecs, while the tunnel discharge stood at 2,117 cusecs, which helped manage the water level temporarily.

Idukki dam nears blue alert level

Meanwhile, the Idukki dam is approaching blue alert threshold. On Saturday, the water level in the reservoir stood at 2,361.36 ft, which is 55.60% of capacity. This is higher compared to 2,336.98 ft (35.23%) recorded on the same day last year.

As per the rule curve, the blue alert level is fixed at 2,365 ft. The district recorded an average rainfall of 17.8 mm over the past 24 hours (as on Saturday), contributing to the steady rise in water levels.