The trial run prior to the opening of the Idukki dam appears imminent with the water level rising on a higher level since Wednesday morning following heavy rain in the catchment area since Tuesday night.
The water level reached 2,397.36 ft at 8 p.m. on Wednesday from 2,396.16 ft at 3 p.m. on Tuesday.
The government has decided to go for the trial run at 2,398 ft. Though the full reserve level (FRL) is 2,403 ft, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) may decide to open the dam after the trial run and before the FRL.
Power generation was at a lower level of 13.5 mu and there was high inflow as the catchment area and Peerumade taluk received heavy rainfall of 128 mm and 124 mm respectively during the 24 hours till Wednesday morning.
The water level was rising over 0.04 ft by Wednesday evening and if the situation continued, the water level may reach the trial run level by Thursday evening. Red alert would be sounded prior to the water level reaching 2,401 ft and shutters of the Cheruthoni dam would be opened anytime after 24 hours of the red alert.
A senior official of the KSEB told The Hindu that the shutters of the Cheruthoni dam would be lifted 50 cm for four hours during the trial run. It would be done during daytime, he said adding that when the water level reaches 2,398 ft, the KSEB would ask for an NoC from the District Collector and the trial run would be conducted accordingly.
To open the dam, the same procedure would be followed and enough time given to take precautionary measures. The dam would not be opened during night time.