Only 24% water storage left in Idukki dam

Idukki: Water storage in the Idukki dam, the backbone of Kerala’s power generation sector, has fallen to an alarming level.According to figures recorded at 7am on Thursday, only 24% of the hydroelectric project’s total storage capacity remains in the reservoir.

The current water level in the Idukki dam stands at 2,321 feet.Officials estimate that the water presently available in the reservoir can generate approximately 513.513 million units of electricity. Meanwhile, the Moolamattom underground power station, the main generating facility of the project, produced 3.363 million units of electricity on Thursday.Limited rainfall in the catchment areas and reduced inflow into the reservoir have impacted water levels at the dam.

On Wednesday, the catchment areas received an average rainfall of 13.2 millimetres. As a result, only enough water to generate 3.111 million units of electricity flowed into the reservoir.Despite the onset of the monsoon season, water levels in reservoirs have not increased substantially, creating concern within the power sector. Storage levels in several other major hydroelectric projects across the state are also below expectations.

Water storage stands at 21% in Pamba, 26% in Idamalayar, 29% in Ponmudi, 19% in Kuttiady, 15% in Anayirankal, 32% in Peringalkuthu and 30% in Lower Periyar. On the other hand, Kallarkutty dam has comparatively better storage, with water levels reaching 65% of its capacity.During the same period last year, the average storage level in KSEB reservoirs was 52.4%. Compared to that, this year’s storage levels show a significant decline. A substantial improvement in reservoir levels is expected only if monsoon rains intensify and inflows from catchment areas increase in the coming days. If the present situation continues, power generation schedules may have to be managed more cautiously, said Jameela Beegam, executive engineer of the generation division.