The Hindu : Block of granite crashes down near Idukki dam

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jan 14, 2004

Kerala

Kerala

Block of granite crashes down near Idukki dam

By Our Staff Reporter

KOTTAYAM, JAN. 13. A large chunk of granite from the Kuravan Malai, the central hill at the Idukki hydel project, gave way in the early hours of Tuesday.

The granite block that was nearly 100 cubic metres, fell from a height of 250 ft. above the base of the dam. The granite fell first onto the road that has been cut into the Kuravan Malaiand then crashed down to the outer side of the dam. It fell near the guard-room, but none was hurt. However, the building was slightly damaged by the impact. According to the police, five goats kept near the building were crushed under the granite block.

The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) authorities allayed fears and said the incident was of no special significance to the arch dam. Fissures often develop on the granite that forms the Kuravan Malai. This could be on account of various reasons, including climatic conditions. The incidence of hot days followed by cold nights would deepen such fissures and could lead to such incidents, it was pointed out.

The Board would immediately address the issue of the loose layers of granite on the Kuravan Malai and Kurathy Malai, which form the two crucial points of the arch dams.

In the case of the Kuravan Malai, the rock assumes added importance as it forms the central hill, with one edge of the arch dam on one side and one edge of the Cheruthoni dam on the other.

The KSEB authorities have cordoned off the area. According to them, any comment could be made only after a detailed study of the incident.

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