Kerala: CM Pinarayi Vijayan holds high-level meet over Idukki dam as water level crosses 2398.80 ft

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A high-power meeting chaired by chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan here on Thursday morning decided to open one shutter of Idukky dam by 12 noon for a trial run. The decision comes in the wake of water level in the reservoir inching towards the brim at an unprecedented pace.
The water level in the dam had crossed 2398.80 ft, against the full reservoir level of 2403 ft."Arrangements have been put in place, well in advance, to minimise the troubles being caused by water release from Idukki dam, even on a trial basis. There is no room for any upheaval over the situation of Idukki dam. But, being responsible, it’s imperative to go for the trial run,’’ power minister M M Mani told reporters.
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The state disaster management authority too advised people against panicking over the trial run of the water release. "One shutter of Cheruthony dam would be opened, restrictively, for four hours from 12 noon. Those who live in the downstream of Cheruthoni dam and on the banks of Periyar River should be astutely careful about the development,’’ SDMA said. The authority has announced restrictions against venturing into the river, both for bathing and fishing during and after the trial run. Restrictions have also been imposed on making selfie clicks on the banks of the river or near the dam sight.
Shutters of Idamalayar and Kakki dams in Ernakulam and Pathanamthitta districts were opened early morning on Thursday.