People in six villages near Mullaperiyar being shifted

The order came following directions from Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.The tahasildars and village officers have been directed to take necessary measures to shift people if they refuse to move out voluntarily. “People residing in Elappara, Manchumala, Upputhara, Anavilasam, Periyar and Ayyappankovil would be shifted out. Around 200-450 families are likely to be affected,” said an official.

Revenue Minister Adoor Prakash said the State Disaster Management Force was fully geared to meet any situation. At a press conference here, he said that personnel trained in disaster management activities had been kept on standby to meet any eventuality arising out of the rising water level. He said 92 places had been identified for providing temporary shelter to the families who would be moved out. All facilities were being provided in these shelters.

Although rain has weakened in the catchment areas, water level in the dam was moving up due to strong flow of water, district officials said. Tamil Nadu is not taking any steps to reduce the storage level as it has stated that the measures to bring down water will be taken only after the storage level reached 142 feet. Although Kerala had sought an emergency meeting of the monitoring committee constituted by the Supreme Court, the committee and Tamil Nadu have refused to concede the demand.

The district administration has also asked Tamil Nadu to provide at least six hours’ advance notice before opening the shutters. The ADM, Idukki, has given a letter to Theni district collector in this regard.