Accord reached on maintaining Mullaperiyar water-level at 141 feet

KUMILY: An agreement has been reached to resolve the Mullaperiyar crisis in the wake of rising water level in the dam due to heavy rains.

A decision was taken in the meeting of Idukki/Theni district collectors to maintain the water level at 141 Feet. The collectors took part in the discussion after jointly examining the status of the dam.

As the inflow of water has increased, the water is now seen at a height of 141.7 feet. The crisis that started worsening as the water in the dam started climbing up to 142 feet was later solved.

Of the 13 spillway shutters, eight shutters were opened yesterday (Tuesday) without any prior notice but they were closed today morning. But when the water level started rising again, three spillway shutters were again opened in the morning. Tamil Nadu is now taking away 2100 cubic feet water from the dam and previously it used to take 1400 cubic feet water.  

Meanwhile, there are reports that the shutters will have to be opened again. The civic authorities have issued warnings to the locals to take precautions to face any eventuality. But the Idukki collector informed that there was no need for any anxiety as the current situation was similar to that existed in 1966, when the shutters were opened for the first time. Then also there were heavy rains across Tamil Nadu and Kerala.