Disaster management teams and local authorities remain on alert, monitoring the situation closely to respond swiftly to any developments
Published Jun 29, 2025 | 6:00 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 29, 2025 | 6:00 PM
Tamil Nadu opens 13 shutters of Mullaperiyar dam amid rising water levels
Synopsis: Authorities in Tamil Nadu opened 13 shutters of the Mullaperiyar dam on Sunday, releasing 250 cusecs of water per second into the Periyar river after the water level neared the 136-feet mark. Triggered by the reservoir crossing its 135-feet threshold, the controlled release followed rule curve protocols to ensure safe dam management amid rising inflows from recent rainfall
Authorities in Tamil Nadu opened 13 shutters of the Mullaperiyar dam on Sunday, releasing around 250 cubic feet of water per second into the Periyar river, as water levels in the reservoir approached the maximum permissible limit.
The shutters were each raised by 10 cm after the water level crossed the critical threshold of 135 feet on Saturday evening, touching 135.95 feet and later rising close to 136 feet. The release was conducted in accordance with the rule curve to ensure safe reservoir management.
Ahead of the water release, residents along the riverbanks were issued warnings. People living in low-lying areas were advised to move to safer locations or relief camps as a precaution, though officials confirmed there is no immediate danger.
As of Sunday, the dam’s inflow stood at 5,867 cusecs, bolstered by recent rainfall in Thekkady and Periyar catchment areas. Tamil Nadu is currently drawing about 2,117 cusecs via the penstock and Irachipalam canal for power generation and irrigation.
Disaster management teams and local authorities remain on alert, monitoring the situation closely to respond swiftly to any developments.
(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman)
