Kumily/Idukki: The Mullaperiyar dam has reached a critical point with its water level climbing to 133.2 feet, just below the 136-foot limit permitted under the rule curve for Tamil Nadu. Despite a decline in rainfall over the dam's catchment, the inflow remains high at 3,350 cusecs, while Tamil Nadu is currently drawing 1,867 cusecs from the reservoir.

The rise in water levels is higher compared to the same period last year, when the dam stood at 121.2 feet. Officials caution that any further heavy rain could force the opening of the dam’s shutters—something last carried out in August 2022.

The situation has implications downstream as well. Tamil Nadu’s Vaigai dam, which currently holds 63 feet of its 72-foot capacity, is releasing 3,000 cusecs of water. Authorities have issued alerts along the Vaigai riverbanks, given the possibility of excess inflow if Mullaperiyar’s shutters are opened.

Idukki prepares for possible dam release

Meanwhile, Idukki district recorded intense rainfall on Wednesday, with an average of 46.4 mm in the past 24 hours. At 4 p.m., Mullaperiyar’s water level had already hit 133 feet, prompting the district administration to issue warnings regarding a potential release from the dam's spillway in the coming days.

Officials noted that the rule curve limit of 136 feet may be breached if the current rainfall trend continues. In preparation, the administration has alerted residents living near the Periyar river, completed precautionary arrangements, and taken steps to manage any sudden rise in water levels.

Schools shut, travel restricted as precaution

In view of the continued rain forecast for Thursday, the District Collector has declared a holiday for all educational institutions, including anganwadis, nurseries, schools, and colleges.

Additionally, a ban on night travel and roadside parking has been enforced along the Gap Road stretch of the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway for June 25 and 26, considering the heightened flood risk due to the weather alert.

In the Idukki reservoir, water level stood at 2,354.12 feet, accounting for 49.33% of its full capacity as of Wednesday. As rainfall continues, the district remains on high alert for any emergency releases from the dam network.