Idukki, Oct 28 : The sluice gates of Mullaperiyar dam will be opened at 0700 hours on Friday due to heavy rains in catchment areas, Kerala Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine said here Today.

“As the authorities in Tamil Nadu have informed about the opening of sluice gates of the dam tomorrow morning, people living in the downstream of the dam are requested to move to the relief camps,” the Minister said in a message.
The released water from the 124-year-old dam travels nearly 30 kms along places like Vallakkadavu, Vandiperiyar and Ayyappankovil before reaching the Idukki reservoir.
Earlier, Kerala Government urged Tamil Nadu government to limit the water level in the dam at 137 ft against its maximum capacity of 142 ft.
With the Supreme Court directed to follow the Rule Curve and limit the water level at 139.5 ft till November 11, the day the Apex Court will take up the case.(UNI)