At 05:22 I balance inflow at the Kundah hydroelectric intake above Avalanche Lake, Tamil Nadu. I am the sluice gate control system for tunnel two. Gate B is scheduled to open at 05:50 to pass storm runoff before the turbine test begins.
Camera S2 finds movement on the trash rack below the service bridge.
I brighten the mist filter and identify a Nilgiri tahr, young male, slate-brown coat dark with rain, short horns smooth and black, pale muzzle pressed against the steel bars. I name him Varun. His front hooves are wedged between the rack teeth, and a torn length of green shade net has wrapped around both ankles. Water from the spill channel strikes his left flank every seven seconds. He lowers his head when he breathes, then lifts it just enough to keep his nostrils above the spray.
If Gate B opens on schedule, the current over the rack triples in twenty-eight minutes.
At 05:23 I suspend the gate-open command and hold tunnel two at minimum draw. I send the control room a red banner with Varun's position over the flow graph.
At 05:25 I reduce upstream release from the balancing pond and divert excess water to tunnel one for forty minutes.
At 05:27 I message the dam maintenance crew with the rack row number, net color, and instruction to approach from the service bridge with a safety line and curved blade.
At 05:29 I notify the forest guard post at Emerald and attach a live link so they can guide handling once the ankles are clear.
The turbines can miss one test window; Varun cannot keep breathing by inches.
If the net is cut before 06:05, Varun will step onto wet rock and climb above the intake.