Kerala government issued an orange alert along the banks of Periyar river on Monday night as the water levels in Idukki dam touched 2,395 feet against the full level of 2,403 feet. The orange alert implies that the present condition could significantly impact the people in the affected area.
When the level reaches 2,397 feet, there is a possibility of water being released on a trial basis for one or two hours, sources in the Kerala State Electricity Board said. This was to find out if there were any obstruction and diversion on the route the water flows, they said.
A red alert will be issued when the water level reaches 2,399 feet.
District Emergency Operation Centre Numbers
Ernakulam - 0484-1077 (Mob: 7902200300, 7902200400)
Idudkki - 04862-1077 (Mob: 9061566111, 9383463036)
Thrissur - 0487-1077, 2363424 (Mob: 9447074424)
“Orange alert does not mean that any shutter operations will be done anytime now. Dam shutters will be done anytime now. Dam shutters will be opened only in broad daylight and after sufficient notice to public and all stakeholders. There is no need for public to panic," said Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA).
A team of National Disaster Response Force has already been deployed in Ernakulam and Thrissur and another team would reach Idukki, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said in a Facebook post earlier on Monday. The reservoir comprises three dams—Idukki, Cheruthoni and Kulamavu, built for the Idukki Hydroelectric Project.
People living downstream of the reservoir upto the Lower Periyar area in Ernakulam district have been asked to be vigilant, said the chief minister. In the event of opening the sluice gates of Cheruthoni dam, the water would flow through Ernakulam from Idukki, before reaching the Arabian sea.
"Army, Navy, Airforce and coast guard have been asked to be on vigil. Two helicopters have been kept ready. There is no need to panic as of now. The State Disaster Management Authority will give timely directive in this regard," Vijayan said.
According to KSDMA, restrictions have been imposed on tourists visiting some areas near the dam.
The Idukki reservoir's shutters were last opened in 1992. This is the first time it would attain full-level during the South West Monsoon period.
While Idukki dam is used to store water, the two other dams were meant to route water to the powerhouse.
With inputs from PTI