Alappuzha (Kerala) | MLA G Sudhakaran on Sunday said that the timely opening of the shutters of the Thottappally spillway here by the Irrigation Department helped avert major flooding in the Kuttanad and Ambalappuzha regions following heavy inflow from the Pampa and Manimala rivers.
Floodwaters from the Pampa and Manimala rivers, which flow through rain-hit Pathanamthitta and Kottayam districts, drain into the low-lying Kuttanad region of Alappuzha before emptying into the Arabian Sea.
The district has the Thottappally spillway, while the barrages at Thanneermukkom and Andhakaranazhi regulate water flow and prevent seawater intrusion to facilitate agriculture.
Authorities opened 39 shutters of the Thottappally spillway on Saturday.
In addition, all the shutters of the Thanneermukkom and Andhakaranazhi barrages were opened to facilitate the discharge of floodwaters and prevent inundation in low-lying areas.
Sudhakaran visited the Thottappally spillway and inspected the flow of water into the sea.
"The water flow is quite substantial and very fast. Because of this, the banks have been temporarily saved from flooding. This time, the Irrigation Department raised all the shutters at the right time and to the maximum extent permitted by the spillway's capacity," he told reporters.
He said the existing spillway should be reconstructed with a modern system.
"Now, this spillway itself needs to be reconstructed. A new spillway and new shutters should be installed so that it functions automatically with an advanced system. The project has already been prepared. Once it is approved and completed, it will improve water discharge and help prevent flooding," Sudhakaran said.
He said raising the shutters at the appropriate time had helped prevent a major flood.
"Raising the shutters at the right time is what saved us from a major flood. The water is flowing out very fast," he said.
Referring to the sea mouth, Sudhakaran said its width has increased significantly over the years.
"Initially, it was only around 30 to 40 metres wide. Now it has reached about 150 metres. We can see portions gradually caving in and washing away. Local residents feel a small sandbar should remain there," he said.
Sudhakaran also visited two relief camps in the Ambalappuzha Assembly constituency and evaluated the facilities.
Sudhakaran represents Ambalappuzha Assembly constituency.
