IDUKKI

also spelled Idikki, town, southeastern Kerala state, southwestern India. It lies 81 miles (130 km) southeast of Cochin and 79 miles (127 km) northeast of Kottayam. It is known for its large hydroelectric project. The Idukki arch dam, 554 feet (169 m) high, on the Periyar River, was completed in 1974. It connects two huge rocks, Kurathi, 3,035 feet (925 m) high, and Kuravan, 2,753 feet (839 m) high. Together with the Cheruthoni dam (1976), on the Cheruthoni River, and the Kulamavu dam (1977), on the Muvattu Puzha River, the Idukki dam forms a large reservoir. The dam is used primarily for flood control and to provide electric power. Short, swift-flowing streams cross the region surrounding the town of Idukki. Agriculture is the basis of the area's economy; crops include rice, cassava, pulse (legumes), sugarcane, ginger, oilseeds, millet, coconut, pepper, betel nuts, cardamom, and tea. Industries consist of processing cashew nuts, coffee, and tea; bidi (cigarette) making; paper milling; and sawmilling. Pop. (1991) town, 10,228.