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Tuesday, November 22, 2011

A Truth About The Famous Mullaperiyar DAM in Kerala,India which is now under a BIG THREAT


Preface: This post is purely taken out from another blog which is written in Malayalam – Nammude boolokam. Pictures used in this post are taken by Mr. Faizal Muhammed who is a photo journalist for a leading print media in Kerala. Faizal published all the mullapperiyar related photos in his blog two years before. One can see the pathetic condition of the dam in the photos below. The funniest thing is, almost all media have the same kind of photos and visuals. But no one is publishing it in their media. Just because of vested interests and their not-so-serious mentality towards a catastrophic disaster which will occur in Kerala in near future. Let us do something, at least the smallest thing that we can do in regard of Mullapperiyar.
later it is then Translated by "Santhosh J" who is is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.5 India License. here i am copy pasting those article blow to Pass it to all the keralites and to my friends to understand them the real truth about the Mulleperiyar Dam.......
Many people still believe that the so called dangerous situation in Mullapperiyar dam is just a hype created by Kerala government and Keralites. I hope this article will atleast show some shocking scenes from the ground zero. Mullaperiyar dam is one of the oldest of its kind in South India. It was built before 110 years using some jurassic technologies, which the builder himself tells the ‘estimated’ life of dam is 50 years. The dam breach is 60 years over due now!
Mullaperiyar-full This dam has a height of 54 meters (177 feet) and a basement of 44.2 meters (145 feet). It is built with a mixture of Lime stone and mortar. When it was built, there was no reinforced concrete or similar techniques. The engineer who built this dam calculated that this dam will stand for 50 years. After building the dam there was an agreement between princely state of Travancore and then Madras presidency. It was purely an unfair dealing. The agreement says of leasing out the land area of reservoir for 999 years.
Kerala was giving water to Tamilnadu. It is, and it will. No problem. Problem comes in the other way. The dam is not safe to carry water more than 136 feet of water. Tamilnadu wants it to be raised to 142 feet. Whereas in late 1970s itself central water committee suggested not to raise water level beyond 136 feet as the dam is not in fit condition. Fact is that even in 136 feet water level, Tamilnadu will be able to get water. Another interesting fact is that Tamilnadu pays Andhrapradesh Rs. 3 crores per TMC of water, and Rs. 40,000 for 70 TMC of water! Shall we call it incompetency for Government of Kerala? We should!
See the image below where you can see the week wall of the dam. You should see the cross section of the dam in the image above also to understand the impact of a breach!

Mullaperiyar Dam as it is seen with water level at 115 feet.
Mullaperiyar Dam as it is seen with water level at 115 feet.
Image below,you can see the cracks very clearly. Generally the security system there will not allow anyone to photograph this. Once, Indian navy was called for to photograph the cracks in the dam. But after boarding the boat, Navy got a call from ‘Higher’ authorities to come back! Understand, this “STRONG” wall is protecting the lives of 35 lakhs+ people who live downstream and 5 districts which are in the vicinity of this dam.

Cracks to take lives
Cracks to take lives
Water seeping into the wall through the cracks B9
Plaster on the wall of the dam eroded due to constant contact of water.
B7
See the reservoir of Mullaperiyar! Good. Right? What Tamilnadu say is even if the Mullaperiyar dam is breached, Idukki dam will be able to stop water at it. Hey TN, what are your trying to say? Just forget about the thousands of people who are living between Mullaperiyar and Idukki dams? (Then, why can’t we forget people in Tamilnadu?!)
idukki1
This is the gate of the “Srikovil”! Key is with Tamilnadu. What a pity. Our neighbor has the key to our home! And for sure, it will not be opened to a Keralite.
gate
Here comes the super scenes. The below is inside the tunnel. Reservoir is on the right wall of this tunnel. You can see water oozing from the wall. Mind it. It is not any intended hole or crack. But it is one which developed in time course.
tunnel 2
Breach of this dam will be so disastrous that, the high court building in Eranakulam will be under water! So, think.
Dear Tamilnadu, Please don’t try to say that all these photos are taken inside my home!
I wish I get more details and photographs in this regard. Please pass the word…

Save Mullaperiyar Dam, Save Kerala

Credits for the pictures goes to Mr. Faisal Muhammed. Thank you Faisal. You did a wonderful work.
മുല്ലപ്പെരിയാര്‍ അണക്കെട്ട് എന്തുകൊണ്ട് സുരക്ഷിതമല്ല എന്ന കാര്യം ഒറ്റനോട്ടത്തില്‍ പരിശോധിക്കാം.

1. 2011-ല്‍ പഴക്കം 115 വര്‍ഷം
2. നിര്‍മിച്ചത് കരിങ്കല്ലും ചുണ്ണാമ്പും സുര്‍ക്കിയും കൊണ്ട്
3. സുര്‍ക്കിയില്‍ പണിതതില്‍ നിലനില്‍ക്കുന്ന ഇന്ത്യയിലെ ഒരേയൊരു വലിയ അണക്കെട്ട്
4. ഡ്രെയിനേജ് ഗാലറികളില്ല (വെള്ളത്തിന്റെ സമ്മര്‍ദം കൂടും)
5. കണ്‍സ്ട്രക്ഷന്‍ ജോയന്റുകളില്ലാതെ അണക്കെട്ട് ഒറ്റ ബ്ലോക്കാണ് (വിള്ളലും പൊട്ടലും വ്യാപിക്കാന്‍ സാധ്യത)
6. വെള്ളത്തിന്റെ സമ്മര്‍ദം കണക്കിലെടുക്കാതെ നിര്‍മിച്ചത്. സ്​പില്‍വേകള്‍ ആവശ്യത്തിനില്ല.
7. സുര്‍ക്കിയും ചുണ്ണാമ്പും അടര്‍ന്ന് ഒലിച്ചുപോയി പലയിടത്തും പൊട്ടലുകള്‍
8. തുടക്കം മുതല്‍തന്നെ ചോര്‍ച്ച. 1922, 1928-35, 1961-65 കാലത്ത് സിമന്റ് ചാന്തുകൊണ്ട് ചോര്‍ച്ച അടച്ചു
9. പ്രതിവര്‍ഷം 30.4 ടണ്‍ എന്ന തോതില്‍ 50 വര്‍ഷത്തിനിടയില്‍ 1500 ടണ്ണിലധികം സുര്‍ക്കി ഒലിച്ചുപോയി
10. ഭൂകമ്പ സാധ്യതാ പഠനം നടത്തിയിട്ടില്ല
11. അണക്കെട്ട് ഉടുമ്പഞ്ചോല, കമ്പം ഭ്രംശമേഖലകള്‍ സംഗമിക്കുന്ന സ്ഥലത്തായതിനാല്‍ ഭൂകമ്പ സാധ്യത കൂടുതലാണ്
12. ബേബി ഡാം സ്ഥിതിചെയ്യുന്നത് ഭ്രംശ മേഖലയില്‍ (അടിയിലൂടെ ചോര്‍ച്ച രൂക്ഷം.) ഡാം ഇതേവരെ ബലപ്പെടുത്തിയിട്ടില്ല.
13. അടുത്തകാലത്ത് ഇടുക്കി. കോട്ടയം ജില്ലകളിലുണ്ടായ ഭൂചലനങ്ങള്‍ ഭീഷണി ഉയര്‍ത്തുന്നു
14. പെരിയാര്‍ നദി ഒഴുകുന്നതുതന്നെ ഭ്രംശ മേഖലയിലൂടെ
15. അണക്കെട്ടിനെ നിരീക്ഷക്കുന്നില്ല. സ്ഥാപിച്ച ഉപകരണങ്ങള്‍ നശിച്ചു
16. സമ്മര്‍ദം കുറക്കാന്‍ ജലനിരപ്പ് 136 അടിയാക്കി നിജപ്പെടുത്താനും സ്​പില്‍വേകള്‍ കൂട്ടാനും 1979ല്‍ കേന്ദ്ര ജല കമ്മീഷന്‍ നിര്‍ദേശം
17. സമ്മര്‍ദം കുറക്കാന്‍ അണക്കെട്ടിനു മുകളില്‍ കോണ്‍ക്രീറ്റ് ക്യാപ്പിങ് ഉണ്ടാക്കി. പക്ഷെ ഇത് ഫലവത്തല്ല.
18. ഒരു ഭാഗത്ത് കോണ്‍ക്രീറ്റ് ആവരണം പണിത് ഇന്‍സ്‌പെക്ഷന്‍ ഗാലറി നിര്‍മ്മിച്ചു. (ആവരണം അണക്കെട്ടിനോട് ചേരാത്തതിനാല്‍ ഭിത്തിയുമായി ചേരുന്ന സ്ഥലത്ത് ഇപ്പോള്‍ ചോര്‍ച്ച)
19. കേബിള്‍ കൊണ്ട് അണക്കെട്ട് അടിസ്ഥാനത്തോട് ഉറപ്പിച്ചു(ഇത് താത്കാലിക ബലപ്പെടുത്തല്‍ മാത്രം)

കരിങ്കല്ലും സര്‍ക്കിയും ചുണ്ണാമ്പും ഉപയോഗിച്ച് പണിതതില്‍ ഇന്ന് ലോകത്ത് തന്നെ ബാക്കി നിര്‍ക്കുന്ന പഴക്കമേറിയ ഏക അണക്കെട്ടാണ് മുല്ലപ്പെരിയാര്‍ എന്ന കാര്യം പ്രത്യേകം ശ്രദ്ധിക്കേണ്ടതുണ്ട്. ഇത്തരത്തില്‍ കാലപഴക്കമുള്ള അണക്കെട്ടുകളെല്ലാം എല്ലാ രാജ്യങ്ങളും ഡീകമ്മിഷന്‍ ചെയ്തുകഴിഞ്ഞു. അണക്കെട്ട് തകര്‍ന്നാലുള്ള ദുരന്തം മുന്‍കൂട്ടി കണ്ടുകൊണ്ടാണിത്.

ഭൂകമ്പ മേഖലയില്‍ പണിത അണക്കെട്ടായതിനാല്‍ ഭൂചലനമുണ്ടായാല്‍ അണക്കെട്ടില്‍ പൊട്ടലുകളും വിള്ളലുകളും ഉണ്ടാകും. വിള്ളലുകള്‍ ചിലപ്പോള്‍ അകത്താകാം. ഇത് പുറത്ത് കാണണമെന്നില്ല. കാലവര്‍ഷത്തില്‍ അണക്കെട്ട് നിറഞ്ഞ സമയത്ത് ഇത്തരം വിള്ളലുകള്‍ വലുതായി അണക്കെട്ട് തകരാനുള്ള സാധ്യത വളരെ കൂടുതലാണെന്ന് വിദഗ്ധര്‍ ചൂണ്ടിക്കാട്ടിയിട്ടുണ്ട്.


ഒരുകാര്യം വ്യക്തമാണ്. അണക്കെട്ട് ഇപ്പോഴും തകരാതെ നില്‍ക്കുന്നത് ഒന്നുകില്‍ ബ്രിട്ടീഷുകാരുടെ നിര്‍മ്മാണ വൈദഗ്ദ്ധ്യംകൊണ്ട്, അല്ലെങ്കില്‍ കേരളത്തിലെ ജനങ്ങളുടെ ഭാഗ്യം കൊണ്ട്. 

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

100 Ways To Conserve WATER

            #1   There are a number of ways to save water, and they all start with you.
  • #2
    When washing dishes by hand, don't let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.
  • #3
    Some refrigerators, air conditioners and ice-makers are cooled with wasted flows of water. Consider upgrading with air-cooled appliances for significant water savings.
  • #4
    Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.
  • #5
    Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
  • #6
    Choose shrubs and groundcovers instead of turf for hard-to-water areas such as steep slopes and isolated strips.
  • #7
    Install covers on pools and spas and check for leaks around your pumps.
  • #8
    Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost vegetable food waste instead and save gallons every time.
  • #9
    Plant in the fall when conditions are cooler and rainfall is more plentiful.
  • #10  For cold drinks keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap. This way, every drop goes down you and not the drain.
  • #11
    Monitor your water bill for unusually high use. Your bill and water meter are tools that can help you discover leaks.
  • #12
    Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation.
  • #13
    Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap.
  • #14
    Spreading a layer of organic mulch around plants retains moisture and saves water, time and money.
  • #15
    Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalk and save water every time.
  • #16
    If your shower fills a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, replace the showerhead with a water-efficient model.
  • #17
    Collect the water you use for rinsing fruits and vegetables, then reuse it to water houseplants.
  • #18
    If water runs off your lawn easily, split your watering time into shorter periods to allow for better absorption.
  • #19
    We're more likely to notice leaks indoors, but don't forget to check outdoor faucets, sprinklers and hoses for leaks.
  • #20
    If you have an automatic refilling device, check your pool periodically for leaks.
  • #21
    Check the root zone of your lawn or garden for moisture before watering using a spade or trowel. If it's still moist two inches under the soil surface, you still have enough water.
  • #22
    When buying new appliances, consider those that offer cycle and load size adjustments. They're more water and energy efficient.
  • #23
    Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you'll save up to 150 gallons per month.
  • #24
    Upgrade older toilets with water efficient models.
  • #25
    Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. A taller lawn shades roots and holds soil moisture better than if it is closely clipped.
  • #26
    When cleaning out fish tanks, give the nutrient-rich water to your plants.
  • #27
    Use sprinklers for large areas of grass. Water small patches by hand to avoid waste.
  • #28   Put food coloring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the toilet bowl without flushing, you have a leak. Fixing it can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
  • #29
    When running a bath, plug the tub before turning the water on, then adjust the temperature as the tub fills up.
  • #30
    Walkways and patios provide space that doesn't ever need to be watered. These useful "rooms" can also add value to your property.
  • #31
    Collect water from your roof to water your garden.
  • #32
    Designate one glass for your drinking water each day or refill a water bottle. This will cut down on the number of glasses to wash.
  • #33
    Rather than following a set watering schedule, check for soil moisture two to three inches below the surface before watering.
  • #34
    Install a rain sensor on your irrigation controller so your system won't run when it's raining.
  • #35
    Don't use running water to thaw food. Defrost food in the refrigerator for water efficiency and food safety.
  • #34   Use drip irrigation for shrubs and trees to apply water directly to the roots where it's needed.
  • #37
    Grab a wrench and fix that leaky faucet. It's simple, inexpensive, and you can save 140 gallons a week.
  • #38
    Reduce the amount of lawn in your yard by planting shrubs and ground covers appropriate to your site and region.
  • #39
    When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.
  • #40
    Teach your children to turn off faucets tightly after each use.
  • #41
    Remember to check your sprinkler system valves periodically for leaks and keep the sprinkler heads in good shape.
  • #42   Use a water-efficient showerhead. They're inexpensive, easy to install, and can save you up to 750 gallons a month.
  • #43Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.
  • #44
    Don't water your lawn on windy days when most of the water blows away or evaporates.
  • #45
    Water your plants deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance.
  • #46
    Know where your master water shut-off valve is located. This could save water and prevent damage to your home.
  • #47
    To decrease water from being wasted on sloping lawns, apply water for five minutes and then repeat two to three times.
  • #48
    Group plants with the same watering needs together to avoid overwatering some while underwatering others.
  • #49
    Use a layer of organic material on the surface of your planting beds to minimize weed growth that competes for water.
  • #50
    Use a minimum amount of organic or slow release fertilizer to promote a healthy and drought tolerant landscape.
  • #51
    Trickling or cascading fountains lose less water to evaporation than those spraying water into the air.
  • #52
    Use a commercial car wash that recycles water.
  • #53
    Avoid recreational water toys that require a constant flow of water.
  • #54
    Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and save 25 gallons a month.
  • #55
    Use a rain gauge, or empty tuna can, to track rainfall on your lawn. Then reduce your watering accordingly.
  • #56
    Encourage your school system and local government to develop and promote water conservation among children and adults.
  • #57
    Learn how to shut off your automatic watering system in case it malfunctions or you get an unexpected rain.
  • #58
    Set a kitchen timer when watering your lawn or garden to remind you when to stop. A running hose can discharge up to 10 gallons a minute.
  • #59
    If your toilet flapper doesn't close after flushing, replace it.
  • #60
    Make sure there are water-saving aerators on all of your faucets.
  • #61   Next time you add or replace a flower or shrub, choose a low water use plant for year-     round landscape color and save up to 550 gallons each year.
  • #62
    Install an instant water heater near your kitchen sink so you don't have to run the water while it heats up. This also reduces energy costs.
  • #63
    Use a grease pencil to mark the water level of your pool at the skimmer. Check the mark 24 hours later to see if you have a leak.
  • #64
    If your dishwasher is new, cut back on rinsing. Newer models clean more thoroughly than older ones.
  • #65
    Use a trowel, shovel, or soil probe to examine soil moisture depth. If the top two to three inches of soil are dry it's time to water.
  • #66
    If installing a lawn, select a turf mix or blend that matches your climate and site conditions.
  • #67
    When you save water, you save money on your utility bills too. Saving water is easy for everyone to do.
  • #68
    When the kids want to cool off, use the sprinkler in an area where your lawn needs it the most.
  • #69
    Make sure your swimming pools, fountains, and ponds are equipped with recirculating pumps.
  • #70
    Bathe your young children together.
  • #71
    Consult with your local nursery for information on plant selection and placement for optimum outdoor water savings.
  • #72
    Winterize outdoor spigots when temperatures dip below freezing to prevent pipes from leaking or bursting.
  • #73
    Insulate hot water pipes for more immediate hot water at the faucet and for energy savings.
  • #74
    Wash your car on the lawn, and you'll water your lawn at the same time.
  • #75 Drop your tissue in the trash instead of flushing it and save water every time.
  • #76
    Direct water from rain gutters and HVAC systems toward water-loving plants in the landscape for automatic water savings.
  • #77
    Make suggestions to your employer about ways to save water and money at work.
  • #78
    Support projects that use reclaimed wastewater for irrigation and industrial uses.
  • #79
    Use a hose nozzle or turn off the water while you wash your car. You'll save up to 100 gallons every time.
  • #80
    Share water conservation tips with friends and neighbors.
  • #81
    If your toilet was installed before 1992, reduce the amount of water used for each flush by inserting a displacement device in the tank.
  • #82
    Setting cooling systems and water softeners for a minimum number of refills saves both water and chemicals, plus more on utility bills.
  • #83
    Washing dark clothes in cold water saves both on water and energy while it helps your clothes to keep their colors.
  • #84
    Leave lower branches on trees and shrubs and allow leaf litter to accumulate on the soil. This keeps the soil cooler and reduces evaporation.
  • #85
    Report broken pipes, open hydrants and errant sprinklers to the property owner or your water provider.
  • #86
    Let your lawn go dormant during the summer. Dormant grass only needs to be watered every three weeks or less if it rains.
  • #87
    Plant with finished compost to add water-holding and nutrient-rich organic matter to the soil.
  • #88
    Use sprinklers that deliver big drops of water close to the ground. Smaller water drops and mist often evaporate before they hit the ground.
  • #89
    Listen for dripping faucets and running toilets. Fixing a leak can save 300 gallons a month or more.
  • #90
    Water only when necessary. More plants die from over-watering than from under-watering.
  • #91
    One more way to get eight glasses of water a day is to re-use the water left over from cooked or steamed foods to start a scrumptious and nutritious soup.

          #92 Adjust your watering schedule each month to match seasonal weather conditions and 
                      l  andscape requirements.


  • #93   Turn off the water while you wash your hair to save up to 150 gallons a month.
  • #94
    Wash your pets outdoors in an area of your lawn that needs water.
  • #95
    When shopping for a new clothes washer, compare resource savings among Energy Star models. Some of these can save up to 20 gallons per load, and energy too.
  • #96
    Apply water only as fast as the soil can absorb it.
  • #97
    Aerate your lawn at least once a year so water can reach the roots rather than run off the surface.
  • #98
    When washing dishes by hand, fill the sink basin or a large container and rinse when all of the dishes have been soaped and scrubbed.
  • #99
    Catch water in an empty tuna can to measure sprinkler output. One inch of water on one square foot of grass equals two-thirds of a gallon of water.
  • #100
    Turn off the water while you shave and save up to 300 gallons a month.
  • #101
    When you give your pet fresh water, don't throw the old water down the drain. Use it to water your trees or shrubs.
  • #102
    If you accidentally drop ice cubes when filling your glass from the freezer, don't throw them in the sink. Drop them in a house plant instead.
  • #103
    To save water and time, consider washing your face or brushing your teeth while in the shower.
  • #104
    While staying in a hotel or even at home, consider reusing your towels.
  • #105
    When backflushing your pool, consider using the water on your landscaping.
  • #106
    For hanging baskets, planters and pots, place ice cubes under the moss or dirt to give your plants a cool drink of water and help eliminate water overflow.
  • #107
    Throw trimmings and peelings from fruits and vegetables into your yard compost to prevent using the garbage disposal.
  • #108
    When you have ice left in your cup from a take-out restaurant, don't throw it in the trash, dump it on a plant.
  • #109
    Have your plumber re-route your gray water to trees and gardens rather than letting it run into the sewer line. Check with your city codes, and if it isn't allowed in your area, start a movement to get that changed.
  • #110
    Keep a bucket in the shower to catch water as it warms up or runs. Use this water to flush toilets or water plants.
  • #111
    When you are washing your hands, don't let the water run while you lather.
  • #112
    Look for products bearing the EPA WaterSense Label for items that been certified to save 20% or more without sacrificing performance.