Date:02/07/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/07/02/stories/2007070254150400.htm

Kerala - Palakkad

Kanjirapuzha dam shutters opened

Staff Reporter

PALAKKAD: The majority of the one dozen dams in the district have filled up in the incessant rain during the last two days.

The shutters of the Kanjirapuzha Dam where the water level has crossed the danger mark were opened on Sunday to avoid overflowing.

The Government had issued a warning on Saturday to people living on the riverbanks to be vigilant as the dam shutters would be opened any time.

Malampuzha Dam catchment areas received record amount of rain of 94.2 mm. on Saturday as against the 36.80 mm. on this day last year.

The water level in Malampuzha rose to 356.40 feet on Sunday. But it is still three feet less than the previous year’s water level of 359.40 feet, Water Resources Department officials said.

They said that if the heavy rain continues for another few days, the dam may reach its Full Reservoir Level (FRL) of 375 feet soon.

The other Dams such as Mangalam and Pothuday are also getting filled up fast due to heavy rain in the catchment areas.