Deficit rains take a toll on Peppara

Thiruvananthapuram: Water levels have failed to shoot up at Peppara dam as well as at Neyyar dam as the capital continues to experience a deficit in the South- West Monsoon like the rest of the South Indian states. 

During the last two weeks, the capital experienced rainfall that was normal or excessive compared to the average rainfall of the corresponding week. However, the overall monsoon deficit has reached 33.6 per cent in the capital. Wayanad was at the bottom after experiencing a 54.47 per cent deficit.

As per officials, this has manifested as low water levels in dams. Peppara has around 99 metres of water as against the maximum sanctioned capacity of 107.5m .

“We have been receiving sporadic showers since the month of Chingam began. Normally, showers from July ensure that water need not be released frequently from Peppara to Aruvikkara reservoir downstream,” said a Kerala Water Authority official.

Neyyar dam which is bigger in size also continues to have lower water levels compared to the season’s average in the past few years.

“The drought last year has taken the brunt of the stock in the irrigation dam. A very strong North East Monsoon might also not be enough to save the situation at Neyyar,” said an irrigation official.

As per Indian Meteorological Department data, on Sunday, only ‘traces' of showers were experienced in one of the five stations at the capital which also did not fall close to dam sites.