Sharp dip in Idukki dam water level

Idukki: As summer intensifies, water level in Idukki dam is falling steeply, raising concerns over the state's power sector. The water level on Friday stands at 2,338.64 feet, which is 8.92 feet lower than the 2,347.56ft recorded on the same day last year.At present, the reservoir holds 36.93% of its storage capacity, compared to 44.04% during the corresponding period last year. A significant drop in summer rainfall and soaring temperatures across the district have worsened the situation. Inflow through diversion projects has begun to decline while higher temperatures are increasing evaporation losses from the reservoir. Meanwhile, power generation at Idukki has been ramped up sharply, crossing 10 million units per day. A power position review meeting was convened on Friday by KSEB chairman and managing director Minhaj Alam to assess the situation. Board directors and chief engineers attended the meeting. The state can generate only up to 1,800MW internally, with the remaining requirement to be sourced externally. KSEB executive engineer V Unnikrishnan said currently there is no power shortage in the state, and the public need not be concerned. "Necessary arrangements, including swap arrangements, have been made to meet the power demand. Domestic power generation is being regulated to manage the situation effectively," he said.Power consumption in the state peaks between 10.30pm and 11pm, and sufficient power is available to handle the demand during this period as well, he added.Idamalayar situation grimMeanwhile, the water level at Idamalayar dam in Ernakulam dipped below the halfway mark. "As of Friday, the water level at the reservoir was recorded at 141.06m — 32.39% of its total storage capacity. The figure is nearly 2m lower than the levels recorded during the same period last year," dam safety authorities said.They attributed the rapid depletion to a combination of soaring temperatures and lack of rainfall in the catchment areas, which has resulted in a weak inflow.Load dispatch authority officials stated that while the dip is significant, the current storage is sufficient to maintain steady power production through the end of May. "There is no need for panic. We have enough water in storage to bridge the gap until the monsoon is expected to arrive in early June," an official added. (With inputs from Kochi)