Idukki, With the opening of three more shutters on Saturday, water is being discharged through total six shutters of Mullaperiyar dam due to heavy rains in the catchment areas, Kerala Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine said.
Shutter numbers 1, 5 and 6 were raised to 40 cm today discharging 1,299 cubic feet water, and this was in addition to the opening of shutter numbers 2, 3 and 4 on Friday releasing 1675 cubic feet water.
The authorities in Tamil Nadu, operating the shutters of Mullaperiyar dam in Kerala, decided to open more shutters due to heavy inflow into the dam.
Meanwhile, Minister Roshy Augustine said the Tamil Nadu has been urged to drain more water from Mullaperiyar through tunnel to Vaigai Dam.
This was the first time that the Mullaperiyar dam was opened after the 2018 floods in Kerala.
The released water from the 126-year-old dam travels nearly 30 kms along places like Vallakkadavu, Vandiperiyar and Ayyappankovil before reaching the Idukki reservoir.
People from Upputhara, Elappara, Periyar, Peerumedu, Ayyappan Kovil and Kanjiyar, and Aanavilasam are being shifted.
Two deputy collectors appointed as special officers for Mullaperiyar were camping at Vandiperiyar and Upputhara.
Earlier, Kerala Government urged Tamil Nadu to limit the water level in the dam at 137 ft against its maximum capacity of 142 ft.
Now, the Supreme Court directed to follow the Rule Curve and limit the water level at 139.5 ft till November 11 the day in which the court will take up the case.
Meanwhile, Kerala Revenue Minister K Rajan warned that stern action will be taken against those who spread misinformation on Mullaperiyar dam.
With the inflow from Mullaperiyar dam, the water level in Idukki dam rose above 0.25 ft. The water level of Periyar river also rose nearly one meter.
As per the rule curve for Idukki dam, if the water level touches 2398.31 ft, one or two shutters of Idukki will also be raised to release excess water.
Four units of Fire Force were asked to deal with any emergency situation. BSNL took steps to provide effective communication facility without fail. Contol Rooms were opened at Vandiperiyar and Vallakadavu by the Forest Department.
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