Security up at Kerala dams after IB warns of sabotage bid

Thiruvananthapuram: A report from the Intelligence Bureau regarding security threat to the Idukki hydro-electric project has prompted the government to hand over the security of major dams under Kerala State Electricity Board Ltd (KSEBL) to the state industrial security force (SISF).
On government’s instructions, SISF conducted a detailed security audit of 14 dams under various hydro-electric projects (HEPs) under KSEBL. A government clearance is awaited after which the dam security will be taken over by armed SISF personnel.
IB had shared information with the state that the Idukki HEP is one of the vital installations that needs special security cover as there can be possible sabotage attempts on the dam that can cost dear to the state.
SISF recently conducted a detailed audit of Idukki HEP, including the Idukki arch dam, Cheruthoni gravity dam, Kallar dam, Erattayar dam, Kulamavu dam, Kulamavu surge shaft, Kulamavu intake and Vazhathope colony. Based on the security audit, SISF proposed that 88 armed personnel can be deployed round the clock for Idukki HEP’s safety. This means that 44 personnel would be guarding Idukki HEP at a time.
Similarly, security audits were also conducted for other HEPs, including the Kakkad HEP, Seethathode, Pathanamthitta, Idamalayar HEP, Peringalkuthu HEP, Sholayar HEP, Kuttiyadi augmentation scheme consisting of Banasurasagar dam, Kakkayam dam, Lower Periyar HEP, Neriamangalam HEP, Sengulam HEP, Panniyar HEP and Pallivasal HEP.
Except a few dams like Idukki arch dam, Cheruthoni gravity dam, Kulamavu dam, Lower Periyar HEP, all the remaining dams are being guarded by a private security agency on contract basis. Even at those guarded by the police, security has been found insufficient.
Also, the majority of these dams are located inside dense forests or on the periphery of forests, thus increasing their vulnerability. Of late, the increasing presence of Left Wing Extremists (LWE) in the state’s forest areas, especially in the northern districts, is a major concern for the state government. The LWE cadres were spotted by the police very close to Banasurasagar dam in Wayanad.
Mullaperiyar dam, a vital security installation of interest to both Kerala and Tamil Nadu, is guarded by a 124-member police team headed by a deputy superintendent of police.