Activists claim that Keralam is entitled to an annual allocation of 348 million cubic metres of water from the Sholayar sub-basin
Under Parambikulam–Aliyar Project (PAP) agreement, Keralam is entitled to an annual allocation of 12,300 million cubic feet (348 million cubic metres) of water from Sholayar sub-basin, according to the activists. The activists said the agreement stipulates that the allocated quantity must be supplied between July 1, the beginning of the water year, and Feb 1. However, the activists said as per the data received by them, during the current water year, Keralam received only 180 million cubic metres (Mm³) of water between July 1 and Oct 14. As on Oct 15, Tamil Nadu Sholayar Reservoir held just 37Mm³of water.
As a result, water availability in the river during the summer has depended largely on releases from Keralam Sholayar Reservoir. This allocation is to be made available at Sholayar Power House that comprises both the natural inflow from the catchment areas of Kerala Sholayar and water released from Tamil Nadu Sholayar Reservoir. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kochi | Silver Rate in Kochi | Bank Holidays in Kochi | Public Holidays in Kochi Stay updated with the latest Kochi news.
Thrissur: Activists of Chalakkudy river protection forum have called for immediate govt intervention to ensure that Keralam receives its full, rightful share of water from Sholayar. They urged that Tamil Nadu be prohibited from diverting water from Upper Sholayar Reservoir until Keralam’s entire allocated share has been delivered. Tamil Nadu is entitled to divert only the surplus remaining after Keralam’s full share has been provided. The activists expressed serious concern that, even if the northeast monsoon is strong, Keralam’s chances of receiving the remaining 168Mm³are slim. They pointed out that, since the implementation of Parambikulam–Aliyar project, Chalakudy River has suffered an average annual loss of 450Mm³of water. Given the substantial shortfall in water availability this year, Chalakudy River basin faces the prospect of a severe summer drought unless Keralam receives its full share of the water currently held in Tamil Nadu Sholayar Reservoir, along with the inflows expected into the reservoir, the activists warned. They further alleged that Tamil Nadu had already diverted a substantial volume of water from Sholayar Reservoir through Parambikulam in violation of the agreement and that the diversion was continuing. The activists urged the state govt to intervene without delay, safeguard Keralam’s water rights under the agreement, and ensure the release of its entire allocated share to prevent a potential water crisis in Chalakudy River basin. Download the TOI App.