Idukki: Two spillway shutters of Mullaperiyar dam were opened on Friday to release excess water due to heavy rains in the catchment areas, Kerala Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine said.
The spillway shutters three and four of the dam were raised to 35 cm releasing 51,117 litres of water per second, the Minister said in a message.
Revenue Minister K Rajan and Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine reached Mullaperiyar dam from Thekkady by boat at 0645 hours to review the situation.
The officials from Tamil Nadu who arrived at the spot directed to sound the first warning siren at 0700 hours, the second siren at 0715 hours and the third siren at 0724 hours.
Following which, the third spillway shutter was opened at 0729 hours and the fourth spillway shutter at 0730 hours, sources said.
This was the first time that the shutters of Mullaperiyar dam was opened after the 2018 flood in Kerala.
About 1,079 people from 350 families were evacuated to relief camps set up with strict COVID protocols.
On Thursday itself, following the information from Tamil Nadu officials, people living in the downstream of the dam were requested to move to the relief camps.
The released water from the 124-year-old dam travels nearly 30 kms along places like Vallakkadavu, Vandiperiyar and Ayyappankovil before reaching the Idukki dam.
People from Upputhara, Elappara, Periyar, Peerumedu, Ayyappan Kovil and Kanjiyar, and Aanavilasam were being shifted to relief camps.
Two Deputy Collectors appointed as special officers 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.
The Supreme Court directed to follow the Rule Curve and limit the water level at 139.5 ft till November 11. On that day the Apex Court will hear the case.
Meanwhile, Kerala Revenue Minister K Rajan warned that stern action will be taken against those who spread misinformation on the Mullaperiyar dam.
The water from Mullaperiyar dam will reach first to Idukki dam and the water level in Idukki dam is expected to rise 0.25 ft only, the sources added.
The water level at Idukki dam touched 2398.30 ft on Thursday night. As per the rule curve, if the water level touches 2398.31 ft, one or two shutters of Idukki dam 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. Control Rooms were opened at Vandiperiyar and Vallakadavu by the Forest Department. (UNI)
