The water level in the Idukki reservoir rose steadily on Wednesday, by 1 ft over the previous day to reach 2,399.30 ft. The full reservoir level (FRL) is 2,403 ft.
On Tuesday, the increase in level was .5 ft and if the inflow continued at the same level through the main tributary, Periyar, the dam would be opened within a week. The increased level of water drawn by Tamil Nadu from the Mullaperiyar dam was a key factor in keeping the level in Idukki dam almost static till it rained heavily in the catchment areas in the past four days. Power generation at the Moolamattom power house was also raised to the maximum level to keep the water level under control. However, with the increased production level, there was high inflow of water causing a sudden spurt in the reservoir level.
The district administration has made preparations to open the dam shutters in case the water level rises above the FRL. Directions have been given to the village officers to take up evacuation on the downstream of the dam if the water level rose, District Collector Ajit Patil told The Hindu on Wednesday. He said there was no chance of a sudden water discharge as the water level in the Mullaperiyar dam was at a low. The water level there was 123 ft on Wednesday, also registering nearly .5 ft increase over the previous day’s water level.
Mr Patil said all precautionary measures had been taken. There was no need to panic as the increase in the water level was under control, he said adding that the people would be informed in advance if any decision was taken with regard to opening of the dam.
The average rainfall recorded in the district on Wednesday was 64.34 mm with the Peerumade taluk registering the highest rainfall of 123 mm. Udumpanchola recorded the lowest rainfall of 25.8 mm. Devikulam taluk, 70.2 mm. and Thodupuzha 32.7 mm.
