Thodupuzha ∙ Idukki Dam was opened as the water level exceeded the permitted storage capacity according to the rule curve. A shutter of the Idukki Cheruthoni Dam was opened at 10 am as announced earlier. This shutter is raised 70 cm and discharges 50 cumex (50,000 litres) of water into Periyar. Presently the water level in the dam is 2384.10 feet. The rule curve is 2383.53.
A red alert was announced at Idukki Dam yesterday. Minister Roshi Augustin clarified that there is no need to worry even though the dam has been opened. The minister informed that the people living in Periyar should not worry. As part of the opening of the dam, notices have been issued to 79 families on the banks of Periyar and 26 camps have been opened. Even though the water will not enter the residential area, high alert has been issued in 5 villages and six panchayats.
If the shutter is opened at Cheruthoni, the water will reach Kavalangad in Ernakulam district in one hour and 10 minutes. It is estimated to reach Caladi in 4 hours, Aluva in 9 hours and Varapuzha in 12 hours. Minister Roshi Augustine said that although there is no urgent situation to open the dam, the dam is being opened as a precaution and all kinds of safety measures have been put in place. The dam was opened 4 times last year.
The water level in Idukki rose after the rain in the catchment area of the Idukki Dam decreased, but the water flow increased and the shutters at Mullaperiyar were opened. 10 shutters were opened in Mullaperiyar on Friday afternoon. As the water level rose further, three of the 10 shutters currently open were raised by an additional 0.50 meters each. With this, the Tamil Nadu government informed that a total of 2754 cusecs of water is being released.
English Summary: Idukki Cheruthoni Dam Opening Updates