Idukki dam to open if rains continue; Not all dams will be opened together: Minister K Krishnankutty | Kerala | Deshabhimani

Thiruvananthapuram: Minister K Krishnankutty has said that the Idukki dam will have to be opened if the heavy rains continue. He added that efforts are being made not to open Idukki and Idamalayar dams together. If the adverse weather continues, there is no other option but to open the dam. Currently the water level in Idukki Dam is 2397.14 feet. It is expected that the water level in the dam will not rise further as there is a slight decrease in the flow of water to the dam. The dam will be opened in case of adverse rains.

The maximum water level of the dam is 2408 feet. The minister said that if it becomes 2398, a red alert will be declared in Idukki dam. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had said that an expert committee has been appointed to decide on the opening of various dams in the state in the wake of heavy rains. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said this at a high level meeting to assess the rainfall and water level of the dams.

The expert committee will decide which dam should be opened or not based on the amount of water in the respective dams. The concerned District Collectors should be informed about the exact hours before the opening. Locals should be given enough time to evacuate. This is to avoid the dangers of opening too soon, the CM said.