Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 18 (UNI): Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday said an expert committee has been tasked to decide on the opening of various dams in the state in the wake of the heavy rains.
The chief minister said this at a high-level meeting held here on Monday to assess the impact of the heavy rains and water levels of the dams across the state.
The expert committee will decide on which dam should be opened or not based on the amount of water in the respective dams.
The exact time of opening the shutters should be notified in advance to the concerned District Collectors. People living in downstream areas would be given enough time to evacuate. This is to avoid the dangers of opening the dams too quickly.
The review meeting also decided to completely cancel the pilgrimage during the Sabarimala Tulamasa Puja this time.
Nilakkal, Perunthenaruvi region has received more than 20 cm of rain on Sunday. The shutters of the Kaki Dam have been opened.
The water level in the rivers has risen. Heavy rains in the forest also increase the risk of landslides and mudslides.
Heavy rain has been forecast from October 20. The meeting assessed that in these circumstances pilgrimage could not be allowed.
The district administration has been directed to make arrangements to send back home the pilgrims who have arrived earlier.
Meanwhile, the opening of colleges would be postponed to October 25. Widespread rains are expected in the state for the next 2-3 days from October 20. The Central Meteorological Department has warned of isolated heavy rain.
The meeting was attended by Ministers of Revenue and Power, and other senior officials including the Chief Secretary.
