Thiruvananthapuram: The high-range Idukki dam in Kerala, one of the highest arch dams in Asia, is set to be opened for the first time in 26 years. The dam shutters at Cheruthoni are likely be opened on August 3 or 4.

Earlier, it was informed that the shutters of the Cheruthoni dam will be opened once the water level touched 2,400 feet. However, power minister MM Mani on Saturday instructed the KSEB officials not to take a risk by waiting for the level to touch 2,400 feet. Therefore, sources said that the shutters would be opened on August 3 or 4.

The catchment area of the dam received slightly lesser amount of rain on Saturday but the water level has risen by a feet to 2,393.16 feet from the previous recorded high of 2,392 feet on Friday.

The dam's maximum water capacity is 2,403 feet.

The district collector has convened an emergency meeting in the wake of the rising water level.

The Idukki reservoir comprises three dams — Idukki, Cheruthoni and Kulamavu, built for the Idukki Hydroelectric Project.

The dam's shutters were last opened on October 12, 1992 . Idukki dam is used to store the water while the latter two are meant to route it to the powerhouse.

Besides the chief minister, revenue minister E Chandrasekharan, water resources minister Mathew T Thomas and revenue additional chief secretary P H Kurian were present at the meeting, which discussed the precautions to be taken once the shutters were opened.

It was also decided to undertake a survey on a war footing on the total number of people who would have to be evacuated in case the shutters are opened.

The disaster management authority has prepared a list of buildings in and around 100 metres of the dam area with the help of satellite images. Details of people residing in these buildings would be collected, an official release said.

The survey will be jointly conducted by revenue department, Kerala Water Authority and the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB,) which is operating the dam for its 780MW hydroelectric power station.

The chief minister has given directions to the Idukki and Ernakulam district collectors to make necessary preparations ahead of the opening of the dam.

During the current monsoon, the hilly Idukki received 192.3 cm of rain, about 49 per cent more than long term average rainfall received by the reservoir.

The water level in the Mullaperiyar dam was recorded at 135.9 feet. The maximum capacity of the dam is 142 feet.  

(With PTI inputs)

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