Idukki (Kerala) | Water was released from the Pambla Dam in this high-range district on Saturday after the district administration permitted the opening of its shutters as a precautionary measure following heavy rainfall in the catchment areas, officials said.

The Pambla Dam, operated by the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) for hydroelectric power generation, was allowed to discharge up to 500 cubic metres per second (cumecs) of water from 10 am, according to an official order issued by the District Collector.

Officials said the water level in the reservoir had risen to 251.70 metres due to continuous rainfall, prompting the Executive Engineer to seek permission to regulate the inflow. The maximum permissible water level of the dam is 253 metres.

The district administration said the decision was taken in view of the heavy rainfall forecast for the district and in accordance with the dam safety and disaster management guidelines.

Authorities directed dam operators to implement all precautionary measures prescribed under the Disaster Response Guidelines before releasing water.

Residents living along both banks of the Periyar River have been advised to exercise caution, while officials have been directed to take all necessary safety and precautionary measures.