Thressiamma of Kochupurackal has been living in Upputhara for over 40 years. Yet, she spends sleepless nights out of fear of a dam break. “Who will allay our fears? When will we lead normal lives?' she asks.
Upputhara, Karinkulam Chappathu and Vandiperiyar are towns on the downstream of the Mullaperiyar dam. Ms. Thressiamma has never seen the Mullaperiyar dam but comprehends the danger in the eventuality of a dam break. She says almost all families living on the banks of the Periyar are worried, especially during the monsoon months of June, July and August when there is copious rainfall in the High Ranges.
There are families here and in Karinkulam Chappathu who shift to their relatives' houses whenever water is released through the spillway or when there is heavy rain in the catchment areas of the dam.
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D. Binu, a resident of Karinkulam Chappathu, says during monsoon, the officials concerned advise people to shift to safer places. A fear psychosis grips society, affecting people's normal lives.
Shibu Kallolickal, a resident of Nine Acre, says there are some who spend one or two nights in the open when the water is released through the spillway of the dam or when there is threat of incessant rain or tremors in the area.
Ms. Thresiamma said nearly 30 years ago, she along with her son Sebastian and his family was forced to move to a temporary shelter set up at St. Philominas' School after the water level rose considerably in the Mullaperiyar dam. The police made announcements on the loudspeaker advising the people to shift out.
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Mr. Binu said it was grossly underestimated in the official records that there were only 450 families who faced threat on the downstream. A rough estimate will prove that there are over 800 families in Vallakkadavu alone which is the first residential area on the downstream of the dam, he said.