Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Guwahati: Lower Assam faces a fresh flood threat. Bongaigaon and Chirang districts are bracing for impact. Authorities issued emergency advisories on Wednesday, August 5, as water levels surged in the Manas, Aie-Manas, Aie, Doyang, and Dhansiri rivers.
The trouble began with Bhutan’s Kurichhu Hydroelectric Project. It started releasing a large volume of water around 1 am on Tuesday. While officials marginally reduced discharge by Wednesday morning, the downstream surge remains dangerous. Heavy rainfall forecasts compound the risk.
Meanwhile, the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO) opened four spillway gates at the Doyang Hydro Electric Project in Nagaland at 4 pm on Wednesday. Officials opened each gate by 1.25 metres to discharge approximately 213 cumecs of water. At the time of this operation, the reservoir level reached 322.4 metres. NEEPCO stated this is standard procedure. According to officials, the release forms part of standard operational protocols followed during the monsoon to ensure the structural safety of the hydroelectric project and to reduce pressure on the dam infrastructure when inflows rise significantly.
The Bongaigaon District Administration and the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) issued strict warnings. Residents must avoid riverbanks. Do not swim, fish, bathe, or boat. Stay away from submerged roads and bridges. Keep children and livestock clear of flooded areas. People in low-lying zones must stay alert and prepare to evacuate if conditions worsen.
Local authorities in downstream regions are tracking river levels and weather data round the clock. Officials urge the public to ignore rumors. Rely only on official updates from the administration. Emergency response teams remain on standby to prevent loss of life or property.
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