Tamil Nadu Public Works Department officials on Tuesday scaled down the discharge from Periyar dam into Kerala to 600 cusecs from 3,000 cusecs. Earlier, they downed the shutters and stopped discharge through 13 vents in the morning. With a heavy inflow of 3,381 cusecs, the officials lifted the shutters around forenoon and released 600 cusecs to maintain the level below 142 feet. Water level in the Periyar dam stood at 141.78 feet at 4 p.m. The discharge through Iraichal bridge and four tunnels was 1,913 cusecs.
Meanwhile, Idukki Collector V. Ratheesan and Theni Collector N. Venkatachalam jointly inspected the dam and areas reportedly flooded owing to discharge at Vallakadavu and Vandiperiyar.
During their interaction, Mr. Ratheesan told his counterpart that the sudden discharge of 3,000 cusecs created panic among the people residing in the downstream. Maintaining the dam level at 140 feet would give breathing time for the Idukki district administration to decide further course of action before water release. Tamil Nadu could withdraw the maximum quantum through Iraichal bridge to maintain the water level at 140 feet, he said.
Mr. Venkatachalam replied that the dam level stood at 141.7 feet. Suggestions on further reduction would be conveyed to the government for action, he added.
PWD officials also stated that further increase in withdrawal would flood the Periyar River that already had heavy flow and ultimately affect the low-lying areas.
