Cheruthony Dam, Idukki. Picture Courtesy: Saneef H Ansari 
Black and white history of Idukki Dam
Conception of Dam in Idukki
An Italian engineer Sri. E J Jacob, first conceived an idea of construction a dam in Idukki gorge. In 30th April 1919, he submitted proposal to Travancore government, for construction dam for power generation but got rejected. By considering expense and difficulty in distributing electricity, proposal is rejected. Travancore Government was but favourable towards, Pallivasal Project.
Dam is construction is proposed in such a way that it won’t affect any of the forest areas. Also area was uninhabited. Proposed area always gets sufficient rainfall throughout year and hence, ensures that there won’t be any difficulty for power station due to deficiency of water.
Kolumban behind dam construction
Later in 1932, W J John submitted report to the Government of Travancore on the possibility of constructing a dam at Idukki for Power Generation. He was the superintendent of Malankara Estate. When he and his friend AC Thomas Edattu went for hunting, they met Karuvellayan Kolumban, tribal head of ‘Oorali’race and he accompanied in their hunting. He showed them the gorge between two hills Kuruvan and Kurathi.
John was interested in the gorge and the Periyar river flowing through that. He got the idea of dam from that incident and became reason of Idukki dam construction. His idea is materialised and prepared report with the help of his brother, who is an engineer.
They have estimated an amount of twenty six crore for dam construction. Also they have clarified that, above huge amount is because of the rise in price of raw materials all over as the after effect of World War. If the price is reduced, then it will cost only eighteen to twenty crore, they have added in their report. Travancore Government was not positive towards to this report also, because of the expenses.
Cheruthoni dam proposal from Italian engineers
In 1935 project was brought to attention of Government and in 1937 two Italian engineers Angelo Omedayo and Clantheyo Masele conducted study on proposal. But the reports were not positive for the construction.
They suggested dam across Periyar along with second dam across Cheruthoni . They proposed that power house on the left bank of Periyar and an installed capaciy of 90MW.
Government was busy in launching Pallivasal project and hence for one decade Idukki project proposal was inactive. Again in 1947, Chief Electrical Engineer Sri. P. Joseph John, Former Electrical Engineer of Travancore state submitted preliminary investigation report to Travancore government, after analyzing the report submitted by W J John. Report also mentioned about the diversion of Periyar and Cheruthoni water from the reservoir through a tunnel and penstock to a a powerhouse, near to Arakkulam temple at Moolamattam.
Later in 1956, Central Water Commission conducted a detailed investigation and the project report was submitted in 1961. In 1963, Planning commission gave sanction and in the next year, preliminary works started under the guidance of Superintendent Engineer, Sri. E.U. Philipose.
Construction commences with Canadian Govt support
In 1963, Canadian High Commission expressed their interest to finance Idukki project and to undertake project based on Canadian Colombo Plan. Canadian Engineers Suweyer Nenniger and Chenevert came here and studied the project. They provide many suggestions regarding augmenting benefits and safety.
1967, Canada made an agreement with 78lakh dollars as supporting amount and 115 lakh dollars as long term loan amount. They proposed to make Cheruthoni dam concrete instead of masonry and Kulamavu dam masonry instead of concrete. Consulting engineers from M/s S.N.C.Inc., a Canadian firm provided technical advice for the construction.
With the guidance of engineers like Sri. CV Mathews, construction works begun in 30 April 1969. Idukki reservoir started collecting water from February 1973 onwards. In 1976February 12th, the dream came true and on that day, Hon. Prime Minister, Smt. Indira Gandhi commissioned the commercial operation of Power station. Six generators in Moolamattam power house started operating in different stages.
Idukki dam tourism: picturesque valley
Tourist Attractions
Idukki valley is one of the most beautiful places of Kerala. Pleasant climate and valley atmosphere makes it an attraction point of tourists. Idukki plays an important place in Kerala tourism map. Idukki dam itself and its unique construction adds beauty to Idukki valley.
Other than Idukki dam, Cheruthoni and Kulamavu dam, reservoir, Hill View Park, Idukki wildlife sanctuary, famous underground tunnels, waterfalls and the beautiful Periyar River attracts tourists all over the world to this nature’s gift.
Beauty that the valley offers will for sure take you there multiple times. Arch dam itself is a spectacular place to watch. You can enjoy sight-seeing from arch dam and it will be a breathtaking view of the surroundings, that you can’t forget. Considering security reasons, the dam is open for a visit for the public only twice a year, during Onam and Christmas seasons from 10 AM to 5 PM.
We can enjoy the beauty of Idukki valley, that the nature has kept for us during these festival days. For one month, visitors are allowed, earlier it will be opened only for 10 days. During that period, we can have adventurous speed boating in the reservoir. No cameras or shootings are allowed inside and will be verified at the entrance itself. The entry fee is Rs.25 for adults and Rs.5 for children.
Idukki dam in the making. 
Alex Jacob 
2 Comments 
2018-10-03
2241 days ago
Reader's Comments
Ruchi Sharma, Delhi
Excellent article
Sunil Dehadrai, Mumbai
Well detailed article on Idukki dam. Very enlightening. I decided to travel to Kerala and see the engineering marvel after reading this article.