With rising water levels, Kerala to open its high-capacity Idukki dam after 26 years

Kerala’s high range Idukki dam is likely to be opened for the first time in 26 years, as copious inflows following heavy monsoon rains resulted in a rise in water levels in the Periyar river. 

The rising water level in the Idukki dam (it was 2,394.36 feet on Sunday) has triggered fear among the people in the downstream areas. 

Once it reaches 2,395 ft, an orange alert will be issued to the local people, who then will have to find refuge at a relative’s house or at a relief camp until the flood water recedes.

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The shutters of the dam were likely to be thrown open if the water level touched 2,400 feet, officials of Kerala told the news agency.

The decision was taken in a high-level meeting headed by chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, called to discuss the precautions to be taken once the shutters are opened.

If the dam was opened, thousands of people will be affected by the swelling waters between Thadyambad, Karimban and Injivarakkuth areas near Cheruthoni that lie on the banks of the Cheruthoni River, through which the released water from the dam should flow.