Idukki sources have stated that Idukki dam, which is mainly reserved for power generation during the peak summer season when demand escalates, has only 31% of its fullest reservoir level of 2,403 ft now, probably indicating that all the discussion about another dam cannot move forward without addressing the questions that Dams like Idukki raise.
Asia’s biggest dam and the one that produces 40% of the total power generated in the state today have hit one of its lowest water levels. The Periyar, waters of which give the dam its life and relevance, is the one that has the largest number of reservoirs in the State.
Meanwhile the power generation at the Moolamattom Power House has been deliberately kept low to keep the generation going till June. That has raised questions on the viability of hydroelectric projects in the State at a time when the annual rainfall shows a declining trend.
Currently water levels in the reservoirs of Kundala, Mattupetty, Anayirangal, Ponmudy, Neryamangalam, Lower Periyar, Perinjamkutty and Mullaperiyar has reached alarming levels and the possibility of tapping wind energy up a farm at Ramakkalmedu is still at a nascent stage.
