The Idukki dam will not be opened for three days as the rains slackened off in the catchment areas of the dam, KSEB Chief Engineer K.K Karuppankutty told reporters here on Sunday.

“A decision on opening the dam will be taken after assessing rains in the next three days,” he said.

Water level in Kerala’s largest reservoir now stands at 2,401.7 feet against the full reservoir level of 2,403 ft.

With the water level in Idukki dam rising close to the full reservoir level due to incessant rains, the authorities Saturday had sounded the possibility of draining excess water down the Periyar river.

Revenue Minister Adoor Prakash had Saturday said there was no need for panic as the official machinery had been fully geared up to ensure safety of the people.

A contingent of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been requisitioned as a precautionary measure.
State Electricity Minister Aryadan Muhammad said if it was essential to release excess water it would be done only during the day time.