KANNIYAKUMARI: In light of the onset of the north-east monsoon, 250 cusecs of surplus water was released from Pechiparai dam on Monday evening, and an alert was sounded for the people residing on the river banks to remain vigil. Tourists have been advised not to take bath in the river.
Kanniyakumari District Disaster Management Chairperson and Collector R Alagumeena, in a press release, said that the water level of Pechiparai dam had crossed the flood alert level of 43 ft. At 10 am on Monday, the water level stood at 43.85 ft against the total capacity of 48 ft. Considering the increasing inflow of water due to heavy rains, 250 cusecs surplus water was released from the dam at 6 pm.
The collector further said that as water would be released to Kodayar river, it will flow via Kalial, Thirparappu, Muvattumugam, Kuzhithurai, and reach the sea at Thengapattanam. Hence, the people residing on the banks of Kodayar and Thamirabarani rivers, as well as tourists, should be on alert and avoid taking bath in the rivers, the press release said.
It may be noted that the water level of Chittar-I and Chittar-I dams stood at 14.1 ft and 14.2 ft, respectively, as against the total capacity of 18 ft each. Whereas, the water level of Pechiparai and Perunchani stood at 43.83 ft (48 feet) and 64 ft (77 ft), respectively. Further, the water level of Poigai remained at 14.8 ft (42 65 ft), Mambalathuraiyar at 50.03 ft (54.12 ft), and Mukkadal dam at 17.2 ft (25 ft).
While Chittar-I and Chittar-II dams received 27 cusecs and 57 cusecs inflow, respectively, Pechiparai and Perunchani received an inflow of 557 cusecs and 359 cusecs, respectively. According to the district fisheries department, safety measures are being taken, and fishermen and boat owners were constantly alerted about weather reports about the monsoon.
