Measures are being put in place to ensure that the rain expected to hit the Nilgiris over the next couple of days does not lead to damages.
Speaking to The Hindu , S. Ragu, Superintending Engineer, Kundah Tangedco Circle, stated that Upper Bhavani and Avalanche dams were around 90 % full since the last rain, while the other eight major dams were around 75-80 % full, he added.
“We have to wait and see whether there is heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of the dams, following which we will take a decision to open the sluice gates,” said Mr. Ragu, adding that Upper Bhavani, Porthimund, Avalanche and Mukurthi dams received heavy rainfall during the South West monsoon.
To ensure that the rain did not lead to the dams overflowing and flooding areas downstream, Tangedco staff are to be posted 24 hours at all the dams. “They have been instructed to be present till the rain abates,” added Mr. Ragu.
Officials from the Fire and Rescue Services in the Nilgiris too had been put on high alert and would be on duty throughout the day and night.
A total of 13 zonal teams as well as early warning committees, search and rescue/evacuation committees, relief centre management committees, which had been set up involving local residents and government officials to function in 233 landslip prone locations identified across the district, too would be mobilised, while 465 schools and community halls had been identified where people could take shelter in case of emergencies. The Nilgiris district administration has declared a holiday for schools and colleges on Saturday in view of the rain forecast.
Residents too are stocking up on provisions. S, Swamy of Udhagamandalam said that he had stocked up on biscuits and easy to prepare ready-made foods and had also bought fuel to power a generator at his home. “We have seen many extreme weather events this year, and so we decided it is best to be prepared to face any eventuality,” he said.
