In view of more rainfall predicted to lash parts of Kerala in the coming days, the shutters of the Cheruthoni Dam, which forms part of the larger Idukki Dam, were raised by 35cm on Tuesday to let out 100 cubic metre per second of water as a precautionary measure. Around one lakh litres of water per second will be released from the Idukki dam.
"All the arrangements for the opening of the Idukki dam have been completed. Only a limited amount of water will be released. People need not worry," Kerala Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine said earlier on Tuesday.
"The decision was taken to control the water level of the dam at 2,395-2,396 feet in the wake of a warning from the Central Meteorological Department that there would be heavy rains in the coming days. The decision was also based on past experience and was meant to allay people's concerns," the minister said.
The sluice gates of Idamalayar and Pampa reservoirs were also opened early on Tuesday.
