With the increase in water level in the Idukki dam showing a declining trend, the Kerala State Electricity Board on Sunday ruled out the possibility of opening the Cheruthoni dam for three days.
K.K. Karuppankutty, KSEB (Dam Safety) Chief Engineer, told the media after visiting the Cheruthoni and Idukki dams that the inflow of water had declined following a fall in rainfall in the catchment areas, which was just 1.2 mm till 24 hours on Wednesday. The water level had been remaining almost constant at 2,401.68 ft since Sunday evening, said an official of the control room atop the Cheruthoni dam, which monitors the water level every hour.
Power generation at the Moolamattom power house was at the maximum level of 18.17 million unit.
The KSEB was against discharging water as it may cause flooding in downstream areas. Mr. Karuppankutty said there was no need for opening the dam as the water level was remaining constant.
“Only in case of a heavy rainfall and increased inflow, the opening of the dam needs to be considered,” he said adding that compared to the water level on Saturday evening, the rate of increase was only 0.18 ft.
However, the district administration is on alert with the water level at the dam almost at the brim in September itself.
The dam shutters had been opened in 1981 and 1992 (during October) when the water level was 2,402.17 ft and 2,401.44 ft respectively. Though a relieved atmosphere prevailed here on Sunday, District Collector Ajit Patil told The Hindu that the administration was on alert and the control rooms at the seven villages and at the two taluk offices downstream would continue to function. He said the officials had been ordered to keep vigil though the dam need not be opened for three days.
