Guwahati, Aug 3 (SocialNews.XYZ) Assam Education and Information Technology Minister Ranoj Pegu on Monday sought to allay concerns over the safety of the NHPC Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Project, stating that the dam is structurally safe and is being operated under stringent monitoring and national safety protocols.
Pegu visited the 2,000 MW Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Project at Gerukamukh to review its operational preparedness amid concerns raised by downstream residents following the recent floods in Assam.
During the inspection, the minister reviewed the dam structure, reservoir, control room and the Early Warning System installed at the project.
He also held discussions with NHPC engineers and officials regarding the operational mechanisms and flood management measures being followed at the hydroelectric facility.
According to the minister, the 116‑metre‑high dam currently has its reservoir filled up to 92 metres while maintaining a 15‑metre flood cushion to absorb excess inflows during the monsoon and help moderate downstream flooding.
He said around 3,800 cubic metres of water per second (cumecs) is presently being released downstream in a regulated manner.
Pegu noted that the project recorded its highest inflow of nearly 13,800 cumecs during the recent spell of heavy rainfall on July 13. Of this, approximately 12,500 cumecs was discharged in a controlled manner, while the remaining water was retained in the reservoir to reduce the intensity of floods downstream.
“After personally inspecting the project and interacting with the engineers, I am convinced that the Lower Subansiri Dam is safe. The release of water is carefully regulated, and all operations are being carried out under the prescribed safety protocols,” the minister said.
He added that reservoir levels are under continuous surveillance and the dam is being operated in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the National Dam Safety Authority.
Reassuring people living in downstream districts such as Dhemaji, Lakhimpur and Majuli, Pegu said there was no reason for panic, as the project has the capacity to temporarily store excess monsoon inflows and release water in a calibrated manner to help mitigate flood risks.
He reiterated that the safety of downstream communities remains the government’s foremost priority and that all agencies are working in close coordination to ensure the responsible operation of the project.
Source: IANS
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