Kottayam: The Idukki district administration has taken all precautionary measures in view of the rising water level in the Idukki dam, which stood at 2401.5 feet, according to the latest reports.
According to K.K. Karuppankutty, Chief Engineer of the Kerala Dam Safety Authority, who visited the dam on Saturday, the shutters may be opened only if the water level reaches 2403 feet. The reservoir has now 98.4 per cent of its storage capacity and if it rises to 99 per cent, the water will be released.
"Going by the current spell of rainfall, the dam need not be opened by Sunday. But if the rain increases, the shutters should be opened by Sunday afternoon. We will evaluate the situation on Sunday morning," Karuppankutty told DC.
Kutty and other engineers of the dam safety wing, including Director S. Rajeev, Deputy Director P.U. Kuriakose and Executive Engineer Aloshy Paul inspected the dam. "We checked the strength of the five shutters and found them strong enough,’’ Kutty said. The dam has five big gates, and two small gates.
The reservoir, which consists of three dams, including Cheruthony dam, arch dam and Kulamavu dam is spread across 59.5 square kilometres.
Karuppankutty said that two gates will be opened initially. If the water level is not reduced, three other gates will also be opened, Kutty said.
A warning will be given to the public at least six hours before the shutters are opened. Two warnings have already been given.
Idukki Collector Ajith Patil told DC that control rooms were opened in all the five panchayats susceptible to flooding if the water in the dam is released..
"At least 50 to 100 families will be rehabilitated in the nearby places, and we have started camps for the purpose. The district administration will issue announcements via media and microphone to the public at least six hours before the water will be released’’ the Collector added.
The families which should be evicted to safer places included in the panchayaths of Vazhathoppu, Kanjikuzhy, Mariapuram, Vathikudy and Konnathady. The dam was last opened in 1992 when the reservoir was full.