PATHANAMTHITTA: The shutters were closed as the water level in the Pampa dam dropped by 55 centimetres. Due to low rainfall in the catchment areas of the dam, the amount of water coming into the dam is less. The water level has not risen dangerously in areas including Ranni, where it was feared that the water level would rise if the shutters were opened. Pathanamthitta district collector P B Nooh said the shutters will have to be reopened in case of heavy rains.

Six shutters of the Pampa dam, part of the Sabarigiri hydropower project, were opened yesterday. The shutters were raised by two feet. The water flowed out at a rate of 82 cubic meters per second. As part of controlling the water level, the collector ordered to open the shutters for eight hours.