KANNUR: People heaved a sigh of relief as water level in the Pazhassi Dam decreased to controllable level thus ending fears of its imminent collapse. The water level crossed 29 metre, creating panic about the safety of the dam arose when the flood water rose above the road level over the barrage.

The failure to open the closed seven out of 16 shutters resulted in water flooding Iritty and Sreekandapuram towns damaging crores of rupees worth properties and agriculture crops as heavy rains and landships hit the area since August 6. Meanwhile, Minister for Water Resources P J Joseph ordered suspension of Assistant Engineer K M Gopalan following an enquiry on whether there was any laxity in the maintenance of the dam's shutters as they could not be opened when the water level rose alarmingly. Talking to reporters at Iritty, Joseph said last late night the government sanctioned Rs seven crore for maintenance of the shelters as emergency measure and assured that all the 16 shutters would be changed within one year.