Chances of opening Idukki dam recede

Kottayam: Allaying concerns, inflow into Idukki dam came down considerably as of Wednesday evening, lessening the chances of opening the reservoir.

However, Cheruthonni reservoir would be opened in the event of heavy rains causing strong inflow and subsequently raising water levels at the dam to 2398 feet. At the current pace of inflow, water levels would reach 2398 feet only by Saturday.

Meanwhile, authorities have clamped restrictions on visitors flocking to see the dam nearing its full capacity, and beefed up security measures, deploying special police teams to stop people from entering the area.

Alongside, ravine-clearing works downstream of the Periyar continued on Wednesday. Fluctuations in inflow to the dams were reported yesterday depending on capricious rainfall. Average rainfall in the area for the past 24 hours on Wednesday stood at 15.6mm.

In his media briefing, Electricity Minister MM Mani told people not to have concerns, because water from Idukki dam would be released only in phases.