Water level rises in Mullaperiyar; Kerala writes to Tamil Nadu, demands to draw more water

IDUKKI: Kerala has written to Tamil Nadu demanding to draw more water as the water level in the Mullaperiyar dam has risen. This was informed by Minister Roshy Augustine. Following this, Tamil Nadu has started drawing more water through the tunnel since yesterday. The water level in Mullaperiyar was 140.20 feet on Thursday evening. Kerala has requested that more water be transported to maintain the water level at 140 feet even though the maximum storage capacity is 142 feet.

Accepting Kerala's demand, Tamil Nadu has started taking steps to draw more water. Kerala sent the letter to prevent a sudden rise in the water level due to unexpected rains. When more water was drawn, the water level had dropped to 140 feet.

The heavy rain that fell on the night of October 17 caused the water in the dam to rise by more than four feet in five hours. The water level rose from 132.90 feet to 137 feet that day. Meantime, the authorities have advised that coastal residents do not need to worry even if the dam has to be opened, as the water level in Periyar is low.