Vadakkepuzha Weir Explained

Vadakkepuzha Weir (Malayalam:വടക്കേപ്പുഴ തടയണ) is a diversion dam of Earthen type constructed across Vadakkepuzha which is a tributary of Muvattupuzha river in Arakkulam village in Idukki district of Kerala, India. Vadakkepuzha weir is a part of an augmentation scheme for the Idukki Hydro Electric Project. Narakakkanam, Azhutha, Vazhikkadavu, Vadakkepuzha and Kuttiar diversion schemes were later added to Idukki HEP to augment the reservoir.^{[1] [2]} Water from the reservoir is pumped in to Idukki reservoir through a pump house with three pumps.^[3]

Specifications

• Location Latitude : 9⁰ 47′ 00 ” N
• Longitude: 76⁰ 51′ E
• Panchayath : Arakkulam
• Village : Arakkulam
• District : Idukki
• River Basin : Periyar
• River: Vadakkepuzha
• Release from Dam to river : Malankara reservoir
• Taluk through which release flows : Thodupuzha
• Year of completion : 2003
• Name of Project: Idukki HEP
• Purpose of Project Hydro Power
• Type of Dam : Earthen- bund
• Classification : Weir
• Maximum Water Level (MWL) : EL 724.00 m
• Full Reservoir Level (FRL) : EL 723.25 m
• Storage at FRL ; 0.0667 Mm3
• Height from deepest foundation : 2.80m (Height from bed level)
• Length
• Spillway : Ungated – Overflow section
• Crest Level NA
• River Outlet Not provided
• Officers in charge & phone No. Assistant Executive Engineer, Idukki Augmentation Scheme, Moolamattom. Phone-9496009429
• Installed capacity of the Project ; 780 MW

Notes and References

1. Web site: Sandrp. 2018-10-04. Role of dams in Kerala's 2018 floods. 2021-07-29. SANDRP. en.
2. Web site: Kerala State Electricity Board Limited - Periyar Basin Hydro Projects. 2021-07-29. www.kseb.in.
3. Web site: Diversion Structures in Idukki district – KSEB Limited Dam Safety Organisation. 2021-07-29. en-US.