Idukki Dam in Idukki

Travel to India > Idukki > Idukki Dam in Idukki

Dam in the Idukki district of Kerala has been one of the most prestigious projects of our country. This Dam is considered to be Asia's biggest Arch Dam with an impressive height of 555 feet. The dam built on the Periyar River connects two big mountains, Kurathimala and Kuravanmala. Kuravanmala is 2753 feet high and Kurathimala is 3035 feet high.

The Idukki Dam becomes a large structure when combined with Cheruthoni Dam and Kulamavu dam. Cheruthoni dam is built on Cheruthoni River and Kulamavu Dam is constructed on Muvattu Puzha River. Together with all these three dams, the Idukki Dam forms a big reservoir. This artificial reservoir is of 60 sq. kms. The water which is stored in the reservoir is used by the Moolamattom Power house. The dam gives security from floods and also provides electric power to different regions of the state.

One of the interesting facts about this big dam is its underground powerhouse. In Idukki district, the powerhouse of Idukki dam is located underground and it is 43 kms. away from the structure of the dam. Situated in Moolamattom, this power house is approximately 19 kms. away from Thodupuzha.

The construction of this big dam began on 30 April, 1969, with the Canadian aid. The operation of machines of the dam was commissioned in 1976. A renowned Canadian firm, M/s S.N.C. Inc was responsible for advising and assisting the project. The project would not have been possible without the Canadian aid.

The Idukki dam project is essentially based on the potential of the largest river of Kerala, Periyar. The capacity of this power house is 780 MW which consists of 6 Units of 180 MW per unit. The water coming from the artificial reservoir of the dam falls from a height of 670 meters. This falling water generates power in the power house which is constructed underground.

The combination of Idukki Hydroelectric Project, Cheruthony power project and Kulamavu power project hold some distinctions in the record books. Idukki Hydroelectric project holds the distinction of being the biggest hydroelectric project in Kerala till date. The power house of the dam which is constructed underground in Moolamattom is considered to be the longest power station in India, which is constructed underground. The pressure shaft of Moolamattom power house is the largest pressure shaft in the country. Idukki dam also holds the distinction of one of the highest dams in the world. Idukki dam was also the first arch dam of India. Cheruthony dam constructed alongside Idukki dam has been the largest and the highest gravity dam in Kerala so far.