Kerala Government Grants Approval for Lower Chatta Munnar Dam in Idukki District
The state government of Kerala has officially granted administrative sanction for the construction of the Lower Chatta Munnar Dam in Idukki district. This significant infrastructure project is designed to be built across the Pambar River, forming a crucial part of Kerala's strategy to fully utilize the water allocated to the state under the Cauvery tribunal award.
Project Details and Financial Outlay
The Lower Chatta Munnar Dam project is estimated to cost approximately Rs 102 crore. It is engineered with a substantial storage capacity of 0.78 TMC, which translates to 780 million cubic feet of water. The planned reservoir will cover an extensive area of 80 square kilometers, positioning it as a major water resource initiative in the region.
Agricultural and Community Benefits
This dam is expected to directly benefit nearly 12,000 farmers located in the Marayur and Kanthalloor regions of Idukki. By ensuring reliable irrigation across 1,057 hectares of agricultural land, the project will support the cultivation of a diverse range of crops. Key crops include sugarcane, paddy, various vegetables, and groundnut, thereby boosting local agricultural productivity and economic stability.
In addition to irrigation, several drinking water schemes in the area are anticipated to gain from the project. This will address longstanding water scarcity issues and enhance the quality of life for residents in eastern Idukki.
Government Focus on Water Security
Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine emphasized that the approval of the Lower Chatta Munnar Dam reflects the government's dedicated focus on improving water availability and supporting agricultural activities in the region. He highlighted that this project follows the recent completion of the Pattissery Dam, which has already strengthened the district's irrigation and drinking water infrastructure, particularly in alleviating drinking water scarcity in the Kanthalloor region.
Augustine stated that these projects are aimed at fortifying water security while also exploring the tourism potential associated with the reservoirs and their surrounding landscapes. The government plans to initiate construction steps for the Lower Chatta Munnar Dam promptly to accelerate these benefits.
Context of Idukki's Water Infrastructure
Idukki district is renowned as Kerala's hydropower hub, contributing the largest share of hydroelectric power generation in the state. Currently, apart from the Mullaperiyar Dam, which is under the control of Tamil Nadu, Idukki operates 12 dams managed by the KSEB and two under the irrigation department.
Officials assert that the addition of new water infrastructure projects like the Lower Chatta Munnar Dam will further support irrigation, enhance drinking water supply, and promote overall regional development in the district. This initiative underscores a broader commitment to sustainable water management and agricultural advancement in Kerala.
