Kerala to Tamil Nadu:Draw maximum water from Mullaperiyar dam

Kerala has asked the Tamil Nadu to draw maximum water from Mullaperiyar dam . Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday  wrtitten a letter to his Tamil Nadu counterpart M K Stalin and requested him to to ensure that maximum quantity of water is drawn from Mullaperiyar dam as the reservoir level may reach 142 ft once the torrential rains intensify. Hence, there would arise an urgent need for the gradual release of water from Mullaperiyar dam through the tunnel to Tamil Nadu,” Vijayan said in his letter. In the letter, Vijayan also pointed out that when the water level reached 133.45 ft on October 18, the Kerala state Chief Secretary and other officials held meetings to ensure safety and security of the people.

At present there is a net inflow of around 2,109 cusecs accumulating in the reservoir even after the diversion from Tamil Nadu side. With the current inflow it is feared that the reservoir level may reach 142 ft once the torrential rain intensifies. The Chief Minister also requested to intimate the Kerala government about the opening of shutters at least 24 hours in advance.  Dam authorities in Kerala are taking cognizance of the situation arising out of the torrential rainfall. Shutters of several dams have been opened to prevent them owerflowing. Kerala was ravaged by heavy rains it received during October 15 and 16 resulting in widespread damage to property and life in south central districts.