Idukki, Mullaperiyar dams opened

Water level regulated in Cheruthoni as it neared upper rule level

Shutter 3 of the Cheruthoni dam of the Idukki reservoir was opened at 10 a.m. on Thursday following an increased inflow into the Periyar following the opening of the Mullaperiyar dam and heavy rainfall in the Idukki high ranges since Wednesday night.

Earlier, Idukki Collector Sheeba George said a shutter of the Cheruthoni dam would be raised by 40 cm to a metre to release around 40 cumecs of water and those living on the riverbanks should adopt precautionary measures. She banned fishing and tourism activities in the Periyar and warned people against bathing or crossing the river.

The shutter was opened to regulate the water level as it was nearing the upper rule level of 2,400.03 ft. The water level reached 2,399.44 ft at 9 a.m. The opening of the dam shutter was synchronised with the water from the Mullaperiyar reaching the Idukki reservoir, said Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine.