Reportedly with the Southwest monsoon gaining strength and heavy rains continuing in Idukki district and the catchment area of the periyar river, shutters of four dams coming under Idukki and Ernakulam districts have been opened. As per report one shutter each of the Kallarkutty and Pambla dams, two shutters of the malankara dam in Idukki and nine shutters of Boothathankettu dam situated in Ernakulam district were opened on Friday.
Furthermore those living along the banks of the periyar River and its tributaries have been asked to be cautious as there is a possibility of water levels rising exponentially if heavy rains persist. Apparently irrigation department has also opened two shutters of malankara dam situated across Thoduppuzha River, a tributary of Muvattupuzha River. Further as the water level reached 135.30 feet, two shutters of malankara dam have also been opened and 26.77 cumec water is being discharged from the dam.
Moreover Boothankettu situated across the periyar River in Ernakulam district, with a capacity of 169.7 million cubic meter, as of Friday afternoon had water level of 29.70 m. Perhaps with the experience of last year’s deluge and the criticism over mismanagement of dams, the state government machinery is now on high alert as Southwest monsoon is strengthening.
