Kerala: Kanjirapuzha Dam Shutters Raised as Heavy Rains Swell Reservoir

In response to rising water levels caused by three days of heavy rainfall in the catchment area, authorities at the Kanjirapuzha dam in Palakkad district, Kerala, will raise three shutters by 10 centimetres each at 2 p.m. on Monday. The measure is being taken to regulate the reservoir's water level and prevent any potential overflow, the dam authorities said.

The water level in the dam stood at 96.07 metres on Monday morning, against the full reservoir level of 97.50 metres. Officials have indicated that the shutters may be raised further if rainfall intensifies. The move is a standard operational procedure during the monsoon season to maintain a safe margin.

District Collector Sudhir K. has issued an advisory to residents living downstream and along the riverbanks. He has urged them to remain alert and take precautionary measures. The collector specifically warned against entering the river, fishing, or venturing into areas with strong currents. He also appealed to the public to cooperate with officials and follow safety instructions.

The Kanjirapuzha dam, located near Kanjirapuzha town in the Palakkad district, is a key irrigation project in the region. It is part of the Bharathappuzha river basin and provides water for agricultural lands across the district. Beyond irrigation, the dam plays a role in flood mitigation during periods of intense monsoon activity.

Kerala has been receiving widespread monsoon rainfall over the past week, with several districts placed on alert by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The regional meteorological centre has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of the state in the coming days. District administrations are closely monitoring river levels and dam storage across the state.

The release of water from the dam will cause a temporary rise in the water levels of downstream rivers. People are advised to avoid all non-essential activities in or near water bodies until the situation stabilises. The irrigation department has assured that the discharge will be controlled and gradual to minimise any risk.

Kerala has experienced devastating floods in recent years, particularly in 2018 and 2019, resulting in significant loss of life and property. These events highlighted the importance of robust dam safety mechanisms and community preparedness. In this context, the current actions by the district administration reflect a proactive approach to disaster risk reduction.

The district collector has urged residents not to pay heed to unverified information or rumours. A control room has been activated to handle any emergency inquiries. Residents can contact the district emergency operations centre for assistance or to report any unusual water flow or potential hazards.

Authorities are hopeful that the rains will ease shortly, but preparations remain in place to handle any eventuality. The situation is being reviewed continuously, and further updates will be issued as necessary.