Thiruvananthapuram 05-08-2011: The high level meeting convened by Oommen Chandy has decided to upgrade and interconnect the 6 Earthquake Mapping Devices installed near Idukki reservoir. The meeting was held to analyze the earthquake in Idukki on 26^th last month.

The present Mapping Device will be digitalized thereby enabling to monitor closely and analyze the tremors in Idukki. The Magnitude and Impact of the earthquake can be precisely monitored. The fund will be allotted from CM’s Calamity Relief fund.

Roorkee IIT will be entrusted to study the consequences and impact, in case the Mullaperiyar Dam collapses. The report should be submitted within a month. The study will include the places probable to be affected and the immediate security steps that need to be implemented.

Hydro Dynamic Analysis will be conducted in Idukki Dam. The electricity board has been directed to find out an agency to study the impact on the dam because of the ripples in the water.

The committee under the leadership of Additional chief Secretary Nivedita P Haran has been entrusted to implement the decisions taken in the meeting. Kerala StateElecricity Board, Centre for Earth Science Studies, Kerala science and Technology Department, Department of Disaster Management will be members of this committee.

The last earthquake at Idukki recorded a magnitude of 3.8 in Richter scale. 7 aftershoks were also felt. Kottamala was the epicenter. Experts pointed out that Kerala comes under  Zone 3 where Richter scale shows magnitude of 6 to 6.5

Electricity Minsiter Aryadan Muhammad, Water Resources Minister P.J Joseph took part in the meeting along with the top officials of KSEB, CESS, Department of Disaster Management and Sceience and Technology Department.