MLAs, MP raise demands at meet on Idukki’s power-related concerns

The electricity production and distribution wing will be made people-friendly, Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph has said. Speaking after a meeting regarding electricity-related issues at the Idukki Collectorate on Friday, Mr. Joseph said the government would give special consideration to Idukki, taking into account the district’s geographical and travel challenges.

“A meeting of people’s representatives and officials from Idukki, led by the Ministers of Forest and Electricity, will be convened to resolve the dispute with the Idukki district panchayat regarding the transfer of land acquired in 1976 for the Idukki Development Authority. The demand to establish new section offices and substations in the district will also be considered,” said Mr. Joseph.

Special package

During the meeting, Idukki MP Dean Kuriakose demanded a special package to electrify the remaining unelectrified tribal settlements in the Edamalakkudy panchayat. He further sought measures to alleviate traffic congestion at the Mattupetty dam near Munnar and ensure the protection of Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) staff quarters. Government Chief Whip and Thodupuzha MLA Apu John Joseph called for resolving the technical snags involved in transmitting power from rooftop solar panels to the grid.

Idukki MLA Roy K. Paulose urged the government to keep the Idukki and Cheruthoni dams open to the public beyond the Onam vacation. “Currently, the dams are open to the public for 10 days ahead of the Onam holidays, from August 21 to 31. This should continue after Onam,” he said.

Boating at Anayirankal

Udumbanchola MLA Senapathi Venu called for the resumption of boating facilities at the Anayirankal dam reservoir, while Peerumade MLA Cyriac Thomas urged authorities to set up an electricity substation in Wagamon.

Later, while inaugurating the district-level Onam celebration at Cheruthoni, Mr. Joseph said the government would explore keeping the Idukki dam open to the public year-round. “Based on the requests from the Idukki MP and MLA, the dam is being opened during the Onam holidays. The proposal for year-round access will be discussed with the KSEB chairperson and other stakeholders before taking further steps,” the Minister said.

Prior to the review meeting, the Minister visited the Moolamattom powerhouse as well as the Idukki and Cheruthoni dams. During his visit, the Idukki Diocese of the Syro-Malabar Church submitted a memorandum urging the government to resolve issues related to Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESA) and address the concerns of local residents.