Gushing inflow is forcing water level in Mullaperiyar dam to increase rapidly, as on Wednesday. The level is likely to touch the maximum permissible level of 142 feet by noon after which more water would be discharged into the Kerala side, according to Tamil Nadu Public Works Department.
Tamil Nadu PWD issued the first flood warning to Kerala at 2.30 a.m. on Wednesday as and when the level touched 140 feet. As a precautionary measure 4,489 cusecs of water was released.
“The inflow had swelled and we had to start the release early to avoid rush flow into the Mullaperiyar river (to Kerala side). Hence, we started to discharge water with a plan to gradually increase it,” said Executive Engineer of Periyar-Vaigai Basin Circle, T. Subramanian.
While the inflow was only around 9,600 cusecs on Tuesday afternoon, incessant rainfall in the Periyar catchment areas brought copious amounts of water with levels rising to 29,000 cusecs. While the gauge station at Periyar dam received 125.4 mm of rainfall, Thekkady recorded 80 mm in the last 24 hours ending at 6 a.m. on Wednesday.
Within few minutes after 6 a.m., the level touched 141 feet and the second flood warning was issued. The discharge through the surplus vents was stepped up to 8,900 cusecs towards Idukki side.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu continued to draw 2,300 cusecs through the tunnel for irrigation in Cumbum Valley in Theni district and for transfering Periyar water into Vaigai dam.
As and when the level in Periyar dam touches 142 feet, the entire inflow would be discharged into theKerala side.
