As relentless rain continues to lash Idukki, authorities have opened the Ponmudi Dam following a surge in water inflow. The second shutter was lifted by 20 centimeters, releasing nearly 15,000 liters of water per second into the Panniyar River.
The district administration has issued an alert to people living along both banks of the river, urging them to remain vigilant. This marks the sixth opening of the Ponmudi Dam this year.
Heavy rainfall over the past few days has pushed the dam’s water level close to its maximum storage capacity. The decision to raise the shutter was taken at 10 a.m. today to control the rising water levels amid persistent downpours in the catchment area.
Officials warned that more shutters may be opened if inflow continues to rise. Currently, night-time rainfall remains intense in the region.
Part of the Panniyar Hydro-Electric Project, the Ponmudi Dam has a maximum storage level of 707.75 feet, with the water currently at 706.85 feet. A red alert is issued when levels reach 706.05 feet, authorities confirmed.
