Idukki Dam

The Idukki Dam, located in Kerala, India, is a 168.91 m (554 ft) tall arch dam. The dam stands between the two mountains - Kuravanmala (839)m and Kurathimala (925)m. It was constructed and is owned by the Kerala State Electricity Board. It supports a 780 MW hydroelectric power station in Moolamattom.

It is built on the Periyar River, in the ravine between the Kuravan and Kurathi Hills in Kerala, India. At 167.68 metres, it is one of the highest arch dams in Asia and third tallest arch dam. It started generating power on 4 October 1975. Technically, the dam type is a concrete double, curvature parabolic, thin arc dam.

This dam was constructed along with two other dams at Cheruthoni and Kulamavu. Together, the three dams have created an artificial lake that is 60 km² in area. The stored water is used to produce electricity at the Moolamattom Power house, which is located inside nearby rocky caves. The Government of Canada aided in the building of the dam with long term loans and grants.

The idea of constructing a dam for power generation was first conceived in 1919. As per history, Shri Kolumban, the head of 'Araya' race during 1922, showed the way to the Malankara Estate Superintendent and his friend Thomas, who were on hunting spree in the forest, the spot of present Arch Dam. He told them of the legend of Kuravan and Kurathi Hills. Mr. Thomas was impressed by the sight of water flow between the mountains and it was his idea that has materialized in the form of Idukki Arch Dam. Sri. W.J.John of Malankara Estate submitted a report to the Government of Travancore in 1932 on the possibility of constructing a dam at Idukki for Power Generation.

In 1947, a preliminary investigation report was prepared and submitted by Sri. P.D. Joseph John, the then Chief Electrical Engineer to the Government of Travancore. It was during 1956 that the Central Water Commission conducted a detailed investigation based on the Government's request. The project report was prepared in 1961 and the Planning Commission accorded sanction for implementing the scheme in 1963 and the preliminary works of the project were started.

The construction of this Dam commenced on 30 April 1969. Storage of water in Idukki reservoir commenced in February, 1973. The inauguration of trial run of the first machine was celebrated on 4 October 1975. Commercial operation of the Power Station was Commissioned on 12 February 1976 by the then Hon. Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi. The Government of Canada aided the Project with long term loans and grants. M/s S.N.C.Inc., Canada, a well-known firm of Consulting Engineers were advising and assisting Project Engineers under the Canadian Aid.

Construction of this Arch Dam and two other dams at Cheruthony and Kulamavu has created an artificial lake of 60 km2 width and the water stored is utilized for production of electricity at the unique Moolamattom Power house, which is located inside the rocky caves.

Features

Idukki Dam is 554 feet tall, constructed between the two mountains - Kuravanmala (839 meters) and Kurathimala (925 meters ). This project is situated in Idukki District and its underground power house is located at Moolamattom which is about 43 km from the dam.

Twice in the past, the shutters had to be opened; during the northeast monsoon (October to December) on both occasions. The first time was in 1981 (when the shutters were repeatedly opened and shut between October 29 and November 13) and the second time was in 1992 (when they were kept open for 12 days from October 12 to 23). On both occasions, the water level in the dam touched the brim only when the storage built up during the southwest monsoon (June to September) was augmented by the inflow received immediately afterwards following heavy downpour early in the northeast monsoon.

Usage 

Power Generation

The Project harnesses a major portion of the power potential of Periyar, the largest river in Kerala, by the creation of a reservoir of 2,000 M.cum (2 Billion Tonnes) capacity, diversion of waters thus impounded through a water conductor system consisting of a power tunnel and two underground pressure shafts to an underground power house situated in Moolamattom. The installed capacity of the Power House is 780MW consisting of 6 Units of Pelton-type turbines with a power generation capacity of 130 MW each. The regulated waters of Periyar falls through a drop of about 669.2 metres (2195 feet) while generating power in the underground power house.

Irrigation

The tail waters flowing to Kudayathurpuzha through tunnel and open channel is diverted for irrigation purposes in the Muvattupuzha Valley.

Tourist destination and attraction

Earlier, there was a blanket ban on public entry in to the dam due to security reasons. Later, it was relaxed opening the dam for public for 10 days during the Onam and the Christmas seasons. The duration has been increased to one month since last year. Cameras and cell phones are not allowed inside the dam area. The entry fee is Rs.10 for adults and Rs.5 for children. The fee for 15-minute boating service for five persons is Rs. 600.

Idukki valley is 121 km away from Kottayam, and is a small hill town surrounded by a spread of beautiful, wooden valleys and meandering streams. Idukki is a well known tourist center in Kerala.

The Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary extends over the Thodupuzha and Udumbanchola taluks of Idukki district, spread over 77 km2 and is about 450 - 748 m above sea level. The Idukki Reservoir formed by three dams - Cheruthoni, Idukki and Kulamavu - extends to 33 km2. One can find Elephants, bisons, sambars deers, wild dogs, jungle cats, tigers, wild boars etc. and variety of Snakes like Cobra, viper, krait and a number of non poisonous snakes in this Sanctuary. The birds of Idukki are Jungle fowl, myna, laughing thrush, black bulbul, peafowl, woodpecker, kingfisher etc.

Wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala

Nestled in the lush forests of the Western ghats in Kerala are 12 Wildlife sanctuaries and two National Parks.

The following are the Wildlife Sanctuaries / National Parks in Kerela :

• Peppara Wildlife sanctuary
• Neyyar Wildlife sanctuary
• Shenduruni Wildlife sanctuary
• Periyar Wildlife sanctuary
• Idduki Wildlife sanctuary
• Chinnar Wildlife sanctuary
• Parambikulam Wildlife sanctuary
• Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary
• Muthanga Wildlife sanctuary
• Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
• Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
• Silent Valley National Park
• Eravikulam National Park

Kerala, a eco-tourism destination

Kerala is the perfect eco-tourism destination with all its greenery and natural beauty. Eco tourism is defined as ecologically sensitive tourism in harmony with nature. In the process making the tourists aware of the protective, productive and regulatory functions of the forests. For tourists, being on an eco tourism holiday means making an effort not to disturb the integrity and sensitivity of the ecosystem. People visit eco tourism destinations for studying the natural and cultural history of the environment and in turn creating and making a stage for economic activities to conserve of natural resources beneficial to local inhabitants.



Therefore, to put it in a few words, eco tourism means environmentally conscious tourism. It involves understanding the ecology of a destination. Eco tourism is mainly nature based, where awareness about the natural resources is an important part and ecosystem has to be maintained besides benefiting the local people. All these conditions should be met to call any tour a successful eco tourism endeavor.

Beaches, backwaters, hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries and culture including festivals mainly comprise the eco tourism products. The main issue is to improve the environmental settings. Kerala has a bounty of all eco tourism products. The Western Ghats, on which Kerala is located, is blessed with a tropical forest ecosystem providing a natural advantage for development of its section of tourism. Enhancement in quality and diversification of tourism is a must to further develop eco tourism in Kerala.



Tourism that is too vigorous disturbs the natural habitat of an area to an irreversible extent. So to prevent this, there must be a well-planned strategy and proper programs. Though tourism cannot be averted and neglected, as this is a major economic activity for locals also, eco tourism is a good way to let make people aware of their surroundings and conscious towards their region's ecology.



Kerala has many places that can be put under eco tourism category. It has 12 wildlife sanctuaries and 2 national parks, creating a base for planning eco tourism activities. There is large scope for eco tourism activities in Kerala like mountaineering, trekking, bird watching and more. Many water bodies formed within the forest due to construction of hydel projects provide ample space for recreational activities. Moreover, Kerala is well connected and has a long coastline. The forest staff is also well trained for conserving wildlife and ecological balance. Major eco tourism avenues in Kerala are Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary, Periyar Tiger Reserve, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, Eravikulam National Park, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary, and many more.

Wildlife of Kerala

The Western Ghats of Kerala is home to as many as fourteen wildlife sanctuaries that are often surrounded some exotic trails in the country. A delight to the adventurous and nature lovers, the air of these habitats has fragrance of spices and other enchantingly aromatic plantations such as tea, coffee, vanilla, oranges and mangoes. Here, we have covered most of the major wildlife sanctuaries and national parks for the benefit of our readers:

Silent Valley National Park

This 90 sq km of almost virgin forest came into focus when the Kerala State Electricity Board decided to set up a hydroelectric project in the Valley in the late 1970s, a proposal which started one of the most hyped debate on environmental debates and both local environmental organizations and prestigious international bodies such as the WWF stood up against it. Finally, the area was declared a National Park in 1980. Probably India's last substantial stretch of tropical evergreen forest, it is home to various species of wildlife such as elephants, tigers, wild dogs, Nilgiri leaf monkeys, Jerdon's palm civets, Nilgiri martens, flying squirrels, lion-tailed macaques and even tahr and gaur along with almost 120 species of avian fauna sighted within the including Nilgiri wood pigeon.



Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary (Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary)

One of the most prominent bird sanctuaries of South India, it has been established recently and stretches across 25 sq km sanctuary between the tributaries of the River Periyar. Both native and migratory water birds including the Malabar grey hornbill, the Great Indian hornbill, the heron egret, the jungle mynah, the rose winged and blue winged parakeet, and the grey jungle fowl can be seen here basking in the delights of its natural surroundings. One may even spot the rare Ceylon frog-mouth or the rose billed roller here while enjoying the boat cruise from Bhoothathankettu to Thattekkad or looking out of the room from the Hornbill Inspection Bungalow at Thattekkad.



Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary

Adjacent to the Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary of Tamil Nadu, this sanctuary sprawls across 285 sq km. It has three dams, namely, Parambikulam, Thunakadavu and Peruvaripallam dams and is home to one of the largest populations of gaurs (Indian bisons), besides tigers, leopards, elephants, sambars, tahrs, wild dogs, Indian muntjacs, spotted deers, jungle cats, bonnet macaques, lion-tailed macaques, Nilgiris and common langurs besides several other species of fauna along with about 148 bird species, including the great Indian hornbills and the extremely rare Ceylon frogmouths. One can also see crocodiles in its reservoirs and boating and cruising facilities are available on request.



Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary

Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 77 sq km in the Thodupuzha and Udumpanchola talukas of Idukki and occupies the forested area between the Cheruthoni and Periyar rivers. Suroounded by a panoramic lake on three sides, it is home to tropical evergreen and deciduous trees. Lying adjacent to the famed Idukki Arch Dam, one may enjoy the lovely boat rides here while viewing the elephants, bisons, sambars, wild dogs, jungle cats, tigers and wild boars along with numerous species of snakes including cobras, vipers, kraits and numerous non-poisonous varieties. The local avian fauna includes jungle fowls, mynas, laughing thrushes, black bulbuls, peafowls and woodpeckers. Its wildlife is very similar to that at Thekkady.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

60 km from Munnar, with its unique thorny scrub forests and xerophyte species, Chinnar is one of the last shelters for the endangered giant grizzled squirrels, which are said to be less than 200, world over. Lying in the rain shadow area of the Western Ghats, Chinnar gets much less rain than Kerala's other wildlife sanctuaries. The extensive sandalwood forest nearby is an added attraction to the place and is an ideal place to watch herds of gaurs passing through the area.



Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary

The Aralam sanctuary, 35 km from Thalasserry, is spread over 55 sq km of forested highlands of the Western Ghats. Katti Betta is the highest peak of the region rising to a height of 1145 m above sea level. Covered with tropical and semi evergreen forests, the sanctuary is home to myriad of flora and fauna life endemic to the Western Ghats. Herds of deers, elephants, boars, bisons, leopards, jungle cats and various types of squirrels can be spotted here. There is a Central State Farm, a 3,060-hectare farm at the Aralam village nearby, which is one of the country's main production centres of hybrid coconut seeds.



Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary

50 km from Trivandrum, this sanctuary sprawls across 53 sq km of the Western Ghats. Set amidst hillocks, it houses forests and eucalyptus plantations along with elephants, sambars, leopards and the lion-tailed macaques.



Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary

The Neyyar reservoir extends for only 9.06 sq km and offers exceptional opportunities for boating. One can spot here Nilgiri langurs, tigers, leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, jungle cats, sambars, elephants, gaurs, spotted deers and rare lion-tailed macaques. The Crocodile Breeding Centre is the main attraction here, set up here by the Government of India. The park houses reptiles like pythons, cobras and monitor lizards, a deer park, a lion safari park and well-maintained gardens. It also houses Agasthyakoodam hill, named after the legendary Indian sage Agasthya.



Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary

Spread across 12 sq km, this sanctuary lies in the catchment area of the Peechi and Vazhani dams in Thrissur District. The Peechi dam was built for irrigation purposes and its reservoir is an ideal place for boating. One may also spot a wild tusker on its densely forested banks along with peafowls and jungle fowls.

Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary

Chimmini's wildlife sanctuary was established in 1984 adjoining to the Peechi-Vazhani sanctuary. Its dense tropical forests shelter a variety of flora and fauna such as elephants, sambars, gaurs, Malabar squirrels and sloth bears. The dam across the river offers some breathtaking views, making it a favorite picnic spot.



Wynad Wildlife Sanctuary

15 km away from Sulthanbathery, it is also known as Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary. The second largest sanctuary in the Kerala, it occupies an area of 344 sq km. Neighboring the Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary in Tamil Nadu and the Bandipur wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka, it boasts of elephants, spotted deers, gaurs, sambars and sloth bears along with a large avian and reptilian population. The best time to visit here is between June and October.



Shenduruny WildLife Sanctuary

Near to the Kallida Irrigation Project site, this 100 sq km park is a home to elephants, tigers, leopards, bears and lion-tailed macaques. Visitors often go to Tenmala, which is very near t this place to see the numerous tea and coffee estates of the region.