Both spillway gates of the Kakkayam dam in Kozhikode were fully closed at 3:40 p.m. on Thursday (August 6) following a reduction in water inflow and stabilisation of reservoir levels.The closure follows a four-day controlled discharge of water, which began on Sunday (August 2). According to officials, engineers had opened two spillway gates by 0.25 feet (7.5 cm) to safely discharge excess water after relentless monsoon rainfall across the catchment area pushed the reservoir close to its full reservoir level.With the spillway gates now completely shut, water release into the Kuttiyadi river has ceased. Officials of the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and local disaster management authorities confirmed that water levels at the reservoir, a crucial component of the Kuttiyadi Hydroelectric Project, would continue to be closely monitored.While an immediate flood risk has receded, residents along the banks of the Kuttiyady river and nearby low-lying areas are advised to exercise caution over the next few hours while downstream water levels normalise.(The writer, Aleesha V. Joseph, is an intern with The Hindu) Published - August 06, 2026 08:54 pm IST