Thiruvananthapuram: As compared to last year, the Neyyar dam shutters are still kept open with the water height at 81.04 metre though the maximum storage capacity is 84.75 metre. Doubts have been raised by various local residents about the water being wasted with shutters remaining open. However, KWA officials contest that it has been kept open for safety reasons.
While all shutters are being kept opened at 12 cm, one shutter has been opened slightly more. The work on iron ropes has been progressing here since few months and will not be completed until Saturday. It is said that the work here could progress only if water is brought down further.
As per irrigation officials, the shutters have been kept open to equip gradual release of water. During sudden release of water, damages were reported to properties on the banks of Neyyar. Adding to this a new bridge is being constructed around 200 metres near to the mouth of dam by PWD. Sudden rise of water is common in Neyyar Dam which experience upto 5-8cm rise in water in 10 minutes.
