People need to be vigilant, no need to panic, all arrangements complete for opening of dam, says Minister Roshy Augustine

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine said there is no need to panic when the Idukki dam opens. The minister asked people to be vigilant and have not decided when the shutters will close. Those staying on the banks of the Periyar River have been instructed to evacuate.

The water will be flowed out in a controlled level. The minister said that all arrangements have been completed. Health Minister K Krishnan Kutty said the situation is under control. He clarified that the shutters would be closed as soon as the water recedes and will be monitored always.

KSEB chairman Dr B Ashok said there is no need to worry and an extraordinary situation is nowhere to be seen. Loss of water will lead to loss of electricity. Still the safety of the people is important. He said the dams would not be closed today itself.