Severe Summer Heat Halts Power Generation at Mullaperiyar Hydel Project
In Idukki, Kerala, the intense summer heat has led to a critical situation as Thekkady Lake has dried up, causing the water flow from the Mullaperiyar dam to Tamil Nadu through penstock pipes to come to a complete halt. This stoppage has directly resulted in the suspension of power generation at the Lower Camp Periyar Hydel Power Project, which relies entirely on water from the Mullaperiyar dam for its operations.
Impact on Power Generation and Maintenance
The Lower Camp power station is equipped with four generators, each capable of producing 42 megawatts per hour, totaling a maximum capacity of 168 megawatts per hour when operating at full efficiency. With the cessation of water flow, maintenance work has now commenced on both the generators and the penstock infrastructure. There are four penstock pipes at the facility, each designed to carry 400 cubic feet of water necessary to operate the four generators effectively.
Power generation can only resume once the water level in the Mullaperiyar dam increases during the upcoming monsoon season, allowing sufficient flow through the penstocks to restart operations. Currently, the water level in the dam has plummeted to 109 feet, a significant drop compared to previous years when it typically remained above 115 feet during this same period.
Historical Context and Current Conditions
This summer is being described as one of the worst in the past one-and-a-half decades for both Thekkady Lake and the Mullaperiyar dam. Until April 17, approximately 200 cubic feet of water was being released through the penstock, but the severity of the summer heat caused a rapid depletion in water resources. Power generation continued at a reduced rate of around 23 megawatts until April 11, but it ceases entirely when the water flow drops below the critical threshold of 200 cubic feet.
The electricity generated at the Lower Camp station is crucial for supplying power to four districts in Tamil Nadu: Theni, Madurai, Dindigul, and Tirunelveli. This power supports various industrial operations in these regions, making the suspension a significant concern for local economies. With adverse climatic conditions persisting in Kerala, Tamil Nadu may also face severe water shortages as a ripple effect.
Water Release for Drinking and Festival Purposes
Despite the critically low water levels and the drying lake, water is still being released to Tamil Nadu for drinking purposes through the Iratchilpalam Canal. However, this release is likely to exacerbate the drought situation in Thekkady. Additionally, the water release aims to fill ponds and check dams in Theni district in preparation for the Veerapandi festival, highlighting the complex balance between essential needs and environmental sustainability.
Official Statements and Regular Procedures
Officials have stated that it is a regular procedure to halt power generation and conduct maintenance work on the penstock and power station when water flow decreases during the months of April and May. This was confirmed by Rajagopal, the Assistant Engineer of the Tamil Nadu Irrigation Department in charge of Mullaperiyar, emphasizing that such measures are part of standard operational protocols during dry seasons.
