Tamil Nadu opens shutters of Mullaperiyar dam

In Kerala, water entered several homes along the banks of Periyar river in Vallakadavu and Manjumala areas in Idukki district, following the opening of spillway shutters of Mullaperiyar dam early this morning.

Ten spillway shutters of the dam were opened 60 cm each releasing 8000 cusecs of water, due to increased inflow into the reservoir. The water level in the dam reached 142 ft four days ago, the maximum level permitted by the Supreme Court.

Some shutters were closed later, bringing down the release of



water.

Many were taken unawares about the release of water leading to protests by locals at Vallakadavu.

This is the second time during the past one week that water is being released from Mullaperiyar during the night. Kerala Irrigation Minister Roshy Augustine had recently asked Tamil Nadu not to open the spillway shutters without intimation, particularly during night.

Although Mullaperiyar dam is situated in Kerala, water release and the dam's maintenance are controlled by Tamil Nadu.