HC query to state on Dam water flow

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Friday directed the state government to inform it of the time needed for the water at Mullaperiyar dam to reach Idukki and from there the sea by opening the Cheruthoni dam shutter.A Division Bench comprising Acting Justice Manjula Chellur and Justice P R Ramachandra Menon passed the order while considering a batch of petitions  regarding the Mullaperiyar issue. The court also directed the state to  furnish the details regarding how much TMC water can be flushed out of the gates of Cheruthoni in an hour. The court adjourned the hearing of the case to Tuesday and directed the state to produce technical experts before it if possible.  Roshan D Alexander, government pleader, submitted a report before the HC on Friday stating that at least 450 families living near the 116-year-old dam would be evacuated on a war-footing to safer places. Eight  schools have been identified for the purpose. “Appropriate routes through which these families would be taken have also been identified. For making evacuation easier, electric lights have been  maintained in working condition along these routes and on the sides of  Periyar,” the state informed.The state said the services of the Police Department, National Disaster Response Force and Fire and Rescue Service have also been ensured. The state has taken all possible steps and measures to prevent a disaster as well as to mitigate its impact. The government also said that a mock safety drill would be conducted near the dam area. The submission was made after the Division Bench directed the government to give details of the safety  measures being contemplated anticipating threat to the dam. The state had decided to install an early warning system in the vicinity of Mullaperiyar Dam and in some areas between and along the river bank for  getting information about the possible disaster. Digital seismographs have  also been placed for getting accurate and specific  information regarding the seismic activity, the state said. The state further submitted that the Dam Safety Authority was making regular inspections at all dams, including Mullaperiyar. Despite the powers of the authority, it could not undertake periodical inspections in Mullaperiyar since the matter is pending before the Supreme Court.  Moreover, the Supreme  Court had already appointed an empowered committee consisting of three retired judges.