Kerala rains: Storage in dams touches 60%

IDUKKI: The heavy rains in August have increased the water level of hydel dams in the state to 59.39%. On August 1, the dams had storage of only 20.01% — the reservoirs recorded a 66% increase in water level in just one month, KSEB officials said.
The water level in Idukki dam too recorded an increase. On August 5, the water level was 2,316.06 feet and on Monday it reached 2,361.64ft — an increase of around 46ft (a 48% change). The full reservoir level is 2,403 ft.
“Last year, the Idukki dam was nearly full in the first week of September. When compared to last year’s storage, the present one is low,” said a KSEB dam safety official.
“We expect a normal southwest monsoon and the water level will increase by 10 to 15 feet in the coming days,” said the official.
“We need more water in the Idukki reservoir to manage the power needs in summer season. In the present situation, there is no need to impose power cut in the next month,” he said.
“Now, the state is buying more power from out station and aims to store more water in the hydel dams,” said the official.
Meanwhile, the power generation at Moolamattam power station has reduced due to drop in power consumption. Out of the six generators, the two are under maintenance, said officials. The power generation of Moolamattam power house on Sunday was 1.46mu; the power house generates power in the range of 1MU to 3MU.
The storage level in main hydel dams are Pamba (57%), Sholayar (76%), Idamalayar (60%), Kundala (58%), Mattupetty (43%), Kuttiady (98%), Thariyode (94%), Anayirankal (40%), Ponmudi (86%), Neriamangalam (95%), Peringalkuthu- (67%) and Lower Periyar (97%).