KSEB dries Kallarkutty dam for urgent repair works

Kallarkutty dam in Idukki after it was dried up for urgent repair works.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has dried up the Kallarkutty dam in Idukki under the Neriamangalam power house for urgent renovation. According to KSEB officials, the board completed the process on Friday and began the crucial repair works on Saturday.

An official of the board said the move to empty the dam was taken after a leakage was detected on the sluice valve and to replace the old trash racks. “The trash racks are structures that are installed in the intake system of hydroelectric power plants to prevent the entry of large debris, such as trees and tree branches, which can damage turbine parts and hinder the power plant operations. The schedule for the repair works is from December 27 to January 6,“ said the official.

As part of the renovation, the KSEB temporarily suspended power generation at the Panniyar, Chenkulam, Neriamangalam, and Lower Periyar Hydel power stations, resulting in a daily power shortage of approximately 250 megawatts (MW).

Officials said the KSEB decided to suspend the power generation, considering the urgency of the repair work. “Due to the suspension of power generation in these stations, the KSEB needs to purchase power from another source to manage the daily power needs. The board will conduct the repairs at the Chenkulam dam reservoir by reducing the storage level,” said the official.

The KSEB dam safety wing will manage the major repair works at the Kallarkutty dam. “During the shutdown period, the board will also complete the crucial repair works at the Neriamangalam power house,” said an official.

Meanwhile, after the dam and reservoir was dried up, a large number of residents from Konnathady, Vellathooval, Bison Valley, Vathikudy, and Pallivasal panchayats have started fishing from the Kallarkutty reservoir.