Kochi: Water was released from Idukki dam after one of the shutters was opened today morning after its reservoir got a copious inflow from Mullaperiyar dam which was opened the other day.
The shutter was raised by 70 cms to release 50,000 litres of water through the Cheruthoni dam from where it flows through Cheruthoni river to join the Periyar river at Vellakkayam.
The water level at Idukki dam was recorded at 2,383.10 feet against its full level of 2,403 feet when the shutter was opened.The water level in the dam was 2381.28 feet at 4 pm on Friday and it increased by two feet to reach 2,383.10 feet.
The dam has 77.25 per of its capacity.
The district administration had alerted people residing on the banks of the river to move to safer zones in the wake of the release of water. The administration has suggested the people to move into relief camps set up by the district administration.
Vulnerable families numbering 79 have been given notice and the administration has identified . 23 places where people could be accommodated in case of emergency.
Announcements have been carried out is Idukki, Kanjikuzhy, Thankamani, Vathikkudy and Upputhodu which are likely to be affected if more water is released. Idamalayar dam has not been opened yet. Meanwhile, Inflow has increased into the reservoir of Mullaperiyar dam. The situation in Periyar is not worrying as it is still flowing below danger level.
The Ernakulam District administration hs opened relief camps which could be used in case of emergency.
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