High storage level in major Idukki dams as new water year begins

With the arrival of the new water year on June 1, the storage in major hydel dams, including Idukki, under the Kerala State Electricity Board’s (KSEB), is at a high level.

With the arrival of the new water year on June 1, the storage in major hydel dams, including Idukki, under the Kerala State Electricity Board’s (KSEB), is at a high level.

According to KSEB dam safety wing data, the storage level in Idukki reservoir on Saturday was 2,343.78 ft (40.82%) as against 2,332.56 ft (32%) on the same day last year.

The water year is considered from June 1 to November 30 every year.

“ But the early arrival of the monsoon resulted in the sudden increase of water in Idukki, including hydel dams. Within four days, the storage increased by over 9% in Idukki,” said the data from the dam safety wing.

The storage in major hydel dams on May 24 was 28% of the total storage. The storage rose to 42% on May 31. Within seven days, storage increased by over 14 % due to heavy rain, said an official.

According to sources, the high storage in hydel dams in the early days of the monsoon poses a threat to the 2018 model dam opening.

“The storage in Idukki dam on June 1, 2018, was 2,321 ft. In light of the August 2018 flood, this year’s water level in Idukki exceeded the storage limit by over 22 feet. From June 10 to June 30, the rule curve remains fixed at 2,373 feet. The rule curve in Edamalayar is 161 metres, and Banasurasagar is 975.36 metres until June 30,” said a KSEB dam safety wing official.