Idukki (Ker), Dec 19 (PTI) Considering the reduced inflow of water into the reservoir, the authorities decided on Tuesday not to open the Mullaperiyar dam, which had experienced heavy rainfall in its catchment area the previous day.

The decision came a day after Tamil Nadu authorities, responsible for managing the over 125-year-old dam, announced the intention to open its shutters to release excess water through the spillway.

Also Read | Dinosaur Eggs in Madhya Pradesh: Family's Sacred 'Kuldevta' Turns Out to Be Fossilised Dino Egg.

On Tuesday, the Idukki district authorities confirmed that the shutters of the Mullaperiyar dam would remain closed, citing a decrease in water inflow to the reservoir after rains in the catchment area subsided.

Officials stated that the current water level was at 138.75 ft, and due to the reduced inflow, there was no need to raise the shutters to release excess water.

Also Read | COVID-19 Pandemic Scare in India: 88.78% Active COVID Cases in Country Found in Kerala.

The southern region of Tamil Nadu and the Periyar Tiger Reserve experienced heavy rainfall for three days until Monday, leading to a significant inflow into the Mullaperiyar dam.

District authorities had received warnings from the Cumbum Water Resources Department office regarding the rising water level. The dam's maximum storage limit is 142 ft.

"We had received information that, due to heavy inflow, shutters would be opened in a phased manner to release excess water," an official said. However, since the rains subsided, the warning was withdrawn.

In response to the initial warning, authorities had issued alerts for people residing on the banks of the Periyar River, advising them to exercise caution.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)