Mullaperiyar dam water level to affect tourism in Idukki
Rising water level of dam could result in fodder scarcity, destroy host plants and drive wildlife away.
Kottayam: The rising water level of the Mullaperiyar dam could affect the tourism prospects of Idukki as fodder scarcity could drive the wildlife away.
The Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) had warned against this in a 2000 study when Tamil Nadu was arguing for increased storage.
“When the water level stands at 140.2 feet, the study becomes relevant," says Dr P.S. Easa, a wildlife expert.
The former KFRI chief was a member of the team that made the environmental and social impact assessment in the Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) if the water level goes up.
It says even above 136 ft level will adversely affect the fodder availability and destroy host plants of endangered orchid species and tree stumps used by the aquatic birds.
Tamil Nadu wanted the water level of the dam situated in the PTR raised to 152 feet while the Supreme Court limited it to 142 feet before its strengthening.
The apex court recently asked TN to consider lowering the level to 139 feet given the grave flood situation in Kerala.
The lake and associated streams support 37 species of fishes, and a change will lead to loss of stream fishes, says the study strongly opposing increased water level.
It could destabilise the system threatening native fishes as it would submerge approximately 11.2 square kilometres of forestland in the wildlife sanctuary.
When the water goes up the feeding grounds of the large herbivores will disappear, pushing them beyond timberline resulting in non-visibility from the lakeside.
It will have long-term and irreversible damage to the ecosystem integrity, wildlife and aesthetics of the environs with direct impact on tourism.
The very existence of Kumily township and its life support activity will be at stake with long-term negative influences, the study says.