- Only marginal increase in water level
- 'Orange alert' was sounded after water level touched 2,395 feet
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala power minister MM Mani has said that the Cheruthoni shutters will be opened when the water level in the Idukki reservoir touches 2,398 feet. People will be alerted when the water level hits 2,397 feet and a trial run would be conducted when it reaches 2,398 feet.
"The trail run will be held irrespective of whether the intensity of the rain increases or wanes," the minister told reporters after an assessment meeting at Idukki collectorate on Thursday. The Kerala government on Wednesday said water from the Idukki dam has to be released in phases.
After the water level touched 2,395 feet on Monday night, just eight feet short of the full level, an orange alert was issued. Authorities have asked all those living along the banks of Periyar River to stay alert. The full reservoir level of the dam is 2,403 feet.
Orange alert implies that the present condition has the capacity to significantly impact the people in the affected areas. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA), however, said an orange alert does not mean that shutter would be opened any time now. The final red alert would be issued when the water level touches 2,399 feet.