A water bomb from experts

KOCHI: Adding fuel to the dam controversy, Mullaperiyar Special Cell Chairman M K Parameswaran Nair on Tuesday submitted before the Kerala High Court that even if the Mullaperiyar dam bursts, its entire water could be accommodated in Idukki dam.Advocate-General K P Dandapani submitted that considering the grave situation, the state had sought the help of the Navy and Territorial Army.“There is a helipad about 40 metres away from the Mullaperiyar dam which could be used for evacuation,” he said. A Division Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Manjuala Chellur and Justice P R Ramachandra Menon had earlier directed dam safety experts to submit a report on the steps taken by the govt to prevent a possible threat to the lives of people in case of a disaster. Experts, including Parameswaran Nair, made the submission regarding the water-containing capacity of Idukki dam.Parameswaran Nair submitted that the state had brought down the water level to the maximum extent. The foundation of Idukki dam has been inspected and the dam is strong enough to withstand the earthquake.Expressing dissatisfaction over the safety measures, the Division Bench directed the Mullaperiyar Special Cell, the Kerala State Electricity Board and other experts to submit details of the safety level at which the water level at Idukki dam has to be maintained in order to avert a disaster. It asked the expert panel to make it clear whether Idukki dam could withstand the water pressure from Mullaperiyar. The experts have been told to submit details of the distance between Mullaperiyar reservoir to the mouth of Idukki reservoir and the velocity of water flow from Mullaperiyar dam to Idukki dam at different levels. The court also directed them to take into consideration the storage of water for summer and water required for generation of energy. The court adjourned the hearing of the case to December 15.KSEB Chairman T M Manoharan, Dam Safety Special Cell member Annamma John and Dam Safety Chief Engineer Karuppankutty were also present before the court.