Kerala Power Minister MM Mani has called upon the people of the State to not worry or panic about the opening of the shutters of Idukki dam.

The minister said today (31 July) that the Idukki dam would not be opened at all in one go, but the water will be released in a phased manner which will not cause any problem to the people.

He also said all precautionary measures had been adopted.

The shutters will be opened when the water level reaches 2,397 to 2,398 feet. When the water level reaches 2,396 feet, the next alert will be issued.

Relief camps have been opened in 12 schools and 12 panchayats in the Idukki district.  Even before the rainstorm started, the maintenance work of shutters was done by KSEB.

If the shutters are opened all at once, it will create a big tragedy. Waterlogging will happen at Ernakulam Aluva and Nedumbassery.

The minister said each phase of dam’s shutter opening would be announced in advance.

The water level in the Idukki dam has risen to 2,395.34 feet. If the water level rises to 2,399 feet, the final red alert will be issued.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that heavy rains with strong winds and thunderstorms will continue in Kerala for five more days.