The dam is situated on the Thodupuzha - Puliyanmala state highway (SH-33), about 23 km (14 mi) from Idukki arch dam, 22 km (14 mi) from Cheruthoni dam and 38 km (24 mi) from Thodupuzha. Preliminary work on the dam was initiated under the leadership of Superintending Engineer, E.U. Philipose. The dam was completed in the year 1977 and is operated and maintained by Kerala State Electricity Board.
Maximum Water Level (MWL) : EL 2408.50 ft. ( 734.30 m)
Full Reservoir Level ( FRL) : EL 2403.00 ft. ( 732.62 m)
Storage at FRL : 1996.30Mm3
Spillway : No spillway
Dams in Periyar
Resesrvoir
Hydroelectric project
This Underground Power Station is supposedly a technological achievement. There are six generating units each of 130 MW capacity. There are seven 220KV feeders for transmitting the power to the load centers. The power generated in the powerhouse is taken to the switchyard through 220 KV oil filled cables. After power generation, water from the power station is released to the Thodupuzha River through an underground tunnel which is 1220 meters in length. This tail race water is in turn used for producing electricity in the Malankara Small Hydro Electric Station and also for irrigation by means of Irrigation dam at Malankara.[7]