KSEB gets monsoon lifeline; Idukki inflow enough for 112 million units of power

IDUKKI: Heavy monsoon rains have significantly improved water storage in reservoirs managed by the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), with storage levels rising by five percentage points over the past three days.

Water levels have increased across dams in the state following intense rainfall. The combined storage across KSEB's 16 reservoirs now stands at 35% of total capacity.

At the Idukki Dam, Kerala's largest hydroelectric project, the water level rose by nearly six feet in a single day. The catchment area received 334.6 mm of rainfall over the past three days, including 154.4 mm in the last 24 hours alone. The inflow during this period is sufficient to generate 112.626 million units of electricity.

The improved inflow comes as a major relief for KSEB, which had been facing concerns over low reservoir levels after a weak start to the southwest monsoon. In early June, storage in the reservoirs had fallen to 17%. Although the state continues to record a 30% rainfall deficit for the monsoon season, the recent spell of heavy rain has eased the situation considerably.

Twelve dams release water

Shutters have been opened at 12 dams—Neyyar, Aruvikkara, Peringalkuthu, Pambla, Kallar, Kallarkutty, Maniyar, Moozhiyar, Kochupamba, Mangalam, Malankara and Bhoothathankettu. Authorities have issued cautionary advisories to residents living along downstream riverbanks.

Idukki reservoir status

• Water storage: 34.54% of total capacity
• Maximum reservoir level: 2,403 ft
• Current water level: 2,336.04 ft (up from 2,330.9 ft)
• Water available for power generation: 1,460.192 million units