The Assam government on Wednesday dismissed viral claims that the state’s worsening flood situation was caused by the opening of dam gates in Bhutan, clarifying that the recent rise in river water levels resulted from heavy upstream rainfall and not from any emergency release of water.
In an official statement, Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota said a widely circulated advisory titled “Bhutan River: 3 Gates Opened” was factually incorrect. He cited information received from Bhutan’s Hydrology Department, which confirmed that the advisory was misleading.
According to the clarification, the increase in river discharge has been caused by intense rainfall in upstream catchment areas and has no connection with sudden dam operations or any unannounced release of water.
The Bhutanese authorities also informed the Assam government that the Kurichhu Hydropower Plant had carried out a controlled reservoir-flushing operation on July 21 as part of routine maintenance. They emphasised that no emergency or unexpected release of water is currently taking place.
Kota further said that all major dam operations in Bhutan are conducted according to established protocols, with downstream stakeholders being informed well in advance through official communication channels.
He added that the Flood Control Rooms of Assam and Bhutan remain in constant coordination, maintaining real-time communication on rainfall, river levels and any developments that could affect downstream areas.
The Chief Secretary urged the public to rely only on official sources for flood-related information and refrain from circulating rumours or unverified content on social media.
The clarification comes as several districts in Assam continue to battle floods, with rising river levels and widespread inundation affecting thousands of people. Authorities said the situation is being closely monitored and that coordination with Bhutanese agencies remains ongoing to ensure the timely exchange of information.
