Idukki Dam to be opened today; 50 cumex of water to be released per second

IDUKKI: Idukki Dam, the largest hydroelectric project in the state, will be opened today at 10 am. The authorities have decided to raise one shutter of Cheruthoni Dam, a part of the Idukki Reservoir, by 70 cm to release 50 cumex of water (fifty thousand litres) per second. This is in view of the rising water level and the warning of the Indian Meteorological Department that there will be heavy rain in the coming days.

An orange alert was announced when the water level reached 2381.53 feet at 7 pm on Friday and a red alert was announced when it reached 2382.53 feet yesterday morning at 7.30 am. Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustian assessed the situation in the afternoon and announced that the dam will be opened. According to the latest report, the water level in Idukki Dam stands at 2383.10 feet. This is 77.25 percent of the maximum storage capacity. The maximum storage capacity is 2403 feet. At present, the upper rule level is 2383.53 feet. At present, 5.15 million cubic meters of water is flowing into the dam every three hours. Meanwhile, there is no situation of water entering the houses. People living in five panchayats and five villages in the district have been asked to remain cautious. Notices have been issued to 79 houses.