The state government has given administrative sanction for the construction of a new dam, the Lower Chatta Munnar Dam, in Idukki. According to Water Resources Minister Rosha Augustine, the dam will be built on the Pambar River to utilize the water allocated to Kerala under the Cauvery Tribunal order.
The project has a total estimated cost of ₹100 crore. The dam is expected to have a storage capacity of 0.78 TMC and spread over a total area of 80 km2. Officials said the project will benefit more than 12,000 farmers in Marayur and Kanthalloor regions of Idukki district. The dam is expected to irrigate 1,057 hectares of land and increase production of sugarcane, paddy vegetables and groundnuts.
Noting that the survey process is complete, Mr. Augustine called the administrative sanction a major achievement for the industry. He added that the construction of the dam will start soon.
Apart from agriculture, officials noted that the dam will support several drinking water projects and boost tourism in Marayur and Kanthalloor areas.
The announcement follows the inauguration of the newly constructed Pattissery Dam at Kanthalloor on Sunday. As part of the Chenkalar project, the Pattissery dam was completed by the water resources department at a cost of ₹ 60.34 crore. It has a storage capacity of one million cubic meters and irrigates 240 hectares in Kanthalloor and Keezhanthur.
Published – March 3, 2026 7:38 PM IST
