Idukki reservoir climbs to 45% capacity after week of heavy monsoon rains
After two months of low water levels, nearly a week of heavy rainfall in the catchment area has pushed the water level in Kerala's Idukki reservoir to close to 2,350 ft. According to data from the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) dam safety wing, the water level stood at 2,349.46 ft on Wednesday, compared to 2,377 ft on the same day last year.
Officials noted that during the final week of July, the reservoir's water level was at approximately 28% of total capacity. It has now risen to over 45%, reflecting a significant improvement in storage within a short period. An official with the KSEB dam safety wing said that the Idukki dam, the largest hydroelectric power station in the State, has reached a safe storage position. “The storage will reach around 50% of the total capacity soon,” the official added.
The catchment area of the Idukki dam received 37.2 mm of rainfall over the past 24 hours, contributing to the steady rise. Storage levels also increased in major hydroelectric dams across the State, bringing total Statewide capacity to 47% on Wednesday.
The water levels in other key dams as of Wednesday were: Pamba (52%), Sholayar (50%), Idamalayar (50%), Kundala (35%), Mattupetty (9%), Kuttiady (94%), Thariyode (59%), Anayirankal (23%), Ponmudi (60%), Neriamangalam (95%), Peringalkuthu (56%), and Lower Periyar (100%).
Meanwhile, the water level in the Mullaperiyar dam, which is also under the control of the Kerala government but operated under a Supreme Court-monitored committee, rose to 120.70 ft on Wednesday. The dam has been a point of contention between Kerala and Tamil Nadu, and its water level is closely monitored, especially during the monsoon season.
The rise in storage levels brings some relief to the region, as the reservoir had been at a notably low level earlier in the monsoon season. However, officials emphasize that the current levels remain safe and well below the reservoir's maximum storage capacity. The Idukki reservoir, built across the Periyar river, has a storage capacity of about 145.7 million cubic metres and plays a crucial role in hydroelectric power generation for the State.
The recent rainfall, while beneficial for water storage, also underscores the need for continuous monitoring during the monsoon. The KSEB dam safety wing regularly releases updates on water levels to ensure transparency and public awareness. As the monsoon progresses, the water levels are expected to rise further, subject to catchment rainfall.
