THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has formed a rapid action force in Idukki district to tackle electrical emergencies that are likely to arise out of the Mullaperiyar situation.In the event of a crisis such as dam failure, this special cell will roll out the power utility’s contingency plans.“The core team consists of upto 15 officials. But all available personnel will be mobilised in an emergency,’’ said Shaji Peter Kallada, Deputy Chief Engineer, electrical circle, Thodupuzha, who chairs the cell. The KSEB has identified a number of vulnerable areas that require urgent attention during a crisis. This include power lines spanning the Periyar, proximity of electrical installations to the river and possible isolation of KSEB manpower in the event of a major flood. “We have a number of power lines spanning the river which could pose problems in an emergency. Also, if the dam fails, the 66 KV sub-station at Vandiperiyar will be submerged,’’ he said. It has been decided to promptly cut supply to Vandiperiyar from Peermade and Kochu Pampa sub-stations in an eventuality. The cell is based at Peermade and has the executive engineer, Peermade division, as convener. The executive engineers attached to Kattappana, Adimali and Thodupuzha divisions are joint conveners. The KSEB has also decided to station specially-equipped mobile teams on both banks of the river.A serious crisis in the Periyar will impact the state’s power supply, but at present, there was no threat, according to KSEB member (generation and transmission) Mohamedali Rawther.‘’The current water level in the Idukki dam is 72 to 73 percent only. The special cell is also conducting surveys on probably water levels in the event of a breach,’’ he said. In line with a State Government decision, the KSEB had increased generation from the 780 MW Idukki Project so that the water levels are low enough to accommodate flood waters.
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