Tamil Nadu raised two gates of the Mullaperiyar dam by 35cm at 7.30am on Friday to maintain the water level at 138ft till October 31. The Kerala government is prepared to tackle any situation arising after raising of shutters of Mullaperiyar dam.
People living downstream of Mullaperiyar dam were evacuated on Thursday as a measure of caution ahead of Tamil Nadu raising its shutters.
Water released from the Mullaperiyar dam will move through Manjumala, Vandiperiyar, Mamala, Shanthippalam, Chappath, Aalady, Upputhara and Ayyappankovil to join Idukki reservoir.
As rain continues in the Mullaperiyar region, Kerala Revenue Minister K. Rajan said the shutters of Mullaperiyar dam's spillway might have to be opened further.
The water level in the Periyar is expected to rise by 60cm due to the release of water. High alert has been declared in areas on its banks.
A red alert has been issued for the Idukki dam also as the water level is rising there too. It is likely that shutters of the Cheruthoni dam may be opened on Friday evening.
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In a controlled flow, only 534 cusecs of waters are being released from Mullaperiyar dam now. In August 2018, 4,000 cusecs were released, causing large-scale damage to houses and crops.
(This article was first published in onmanorama)
