Rains subside; shutters of Idukki, Mullaperiyar dams closed

IDUKKI: The volume of water relased from Mullaperiyar and Idukki dams have been reduced. As part of this, seven shutters of Mullaperiyar and two shutters of Idukki dam were closed. The decrease in the water level in the dam is due to low rainfall in the catchment areas of Mullaperiyar. Only two lakh litres of water is being released from Idukki dam now.

The water level in Mullaperiyar started decreasing since yesterday evening as the water inflow decreased. The new rule curve has come into effect at both places from today. Once the water level reaches the rule curve, all the shutters can be closed. The current water level in Idukki dam is 2386.90 feet and that of Mullaperiyar is 138.60 feet. On Tuesday afternoon, the amount of water released from Idukki was increased to three and a half lakh litres per second.

Although the water level has receded in Periyar, the water flow through the Thadiyampad Chappath has not stopped. So, vehicles are not allowed to pass through this road. As the water receded from the houses, the people who were in the camps in Vandiperiyar panchayat have returned.

One of the three shutters raised at Banasura Sagar Dam in Wayanad has been closed. The action is taken due to low water level in the dam. The water level in Banasurasagar dam has dropped below the upper rule level of 2539 feet.