Mullaperiyar Dam Shutters Opened

Idukki: Thirteen shutters of the Mullaperiyar Dam were opened on Sunday morning after the water level in the 128-year-old structure crossed the 136-feet mark, nearing its full capacity. The decision follows days of heavy rainfall in the dam’s catchment areas and preemptive warnings issued by authorities.

The shutters were raised by 10 centimetres each at 11.35 am, allowing approximately 250 cusecs of water per second to flow into the Periyar River. The Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department, which operates the dam, had alerted Kerala officials in advance of the release.

In anticipation of the move, the Idukki district administration had already issued high-alert warnings to several vulnerable regions, including Periyar, Manjumala, Upputhura, Elappara, Ayyappankovil, Kanchiyar, Aanavilasam, and Udumbanchola. Over 20 relief camps have been set up, and local police and revenue officials are on standby to assist with evacuations and emergency measures.

Though the Mullaperiyar Dam is located within Kerala’s territory, it is operated by Tamil Nadu under a 999-year lease agreement signed in 1886. The dam has long been at the centre of a dispute between the two states, Kerala has expressed safety concerns due to its age and structural integrity, while Tamil Nadu insists it remains safe and essential for irrigating its agricultural lands.

The situation continues to be closely monitored by both states' authorities.