Veluthodu dam (Malayalam: വെളുത്തോട് അണക്കെട്ട് ) is a part of Kakkad Hydro Electric Project and is located in Seethathode panchayath of Ranni Taluk in Pathanamthitta District of Kerala, India. It's a Concrete-Gravity dam built across the Veluthodu river, a tributary of Kakkad River which is again a tributary of Pamba River. The dam is built primarily for electricity. This diversion dam diverts water to the water conductor system from Moozhiyar reservoir to Kakkad Power Station. This power station utilises the tail race water from Sabarigiri power station and flow received from moozhiyar and velluthode rivers. After power generation, water from Kakkad power station is released to the Kakkad River. Taluks through which release flow are Ranni, Konni, Kozhencherry, Thiruvalla, Chengannur, Kuttanadu, Mavelikara and Karthikappally. It is operated by Kerala State Electricity Board.
Specifications Latitude : 9⁰ 18′ 10 ” N Longitude: 77⁰ 02′ 30” E Village : Seethathodu Panchayath : Seethathodu District : Pathanamthitta River Basin : Pamba River : Veluthode ar Release from Dam to river : Kakkad river Name of Project : Kakkad HEP Year of completion : 1990 Type of Dam : Concrete – Gravity Classification : MH (Medium Height) Maximum Water Level (MWL)EL 195.00 m Full Reservoir Level ( FRL) : EL 192.00 m Storage at FRL : 0.67 Mm3 Height from deepest foundation : 20.50 m Length : 107.00 m Spillway : Ungated- Overflow section Crest LevelEL : 192.00 m River Outlet : 1 No. 1.80 x 2.70 m Purpose of Project : Hydro Power Reservoir Capacity : 0.18 billion gallon / (0.67 million cubic meter)
Reservoir The reservoir is formed by the Veluthodu dam, constructed across Velluthode river. Water Spread Area : 0.0635 Sq. km. Full Reservoir Level (FRL) : 192 m Minimum Drawdown level (MDDL) : 186 m Effective Storage at FRL : 0.607 MCM Energy Equivalent at FRL : 0.187 MU
Kakkad Hydro Electric Project The Kakkad Hydroelectric Project generates 50 MW of electricity using 2 turbines of 25 MW each year. The annual output is 262 MU. The machine was commissioned on 16 September 1999. The Moozhiyar Dam creates the main reservoir of this project. the second reservoir is formed by the Veluthodu dam. After power generation, water from Kakkad power station is released to the Kakkad River. The prime mover is a vertical shaft francis Turbine.
The Kakkad project had a long tale of unending woes of corruption and trade union militancy.
References
External links Diversion Structures in Pathanamthitta district - KSEB