GUWAHATI, Aug 3: Assam Education, Plain Tribes and Information Technology Minister Ranoj Pegu on August 3 inspected the NHPC Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Project at Gerukamukh and assured residents living downstream that the dam is safe and is being operated under stringent monitoring and safety protocols.
During the visit, Pegu reviewed the dam, control room, Early Warning System and reservoir to assess the project’s operational and safety measures. He said the 116-metre-high dam currently has its reservoir filled up to 92 metres while maintaining a 15-metre flood cushion to support flood moderation. At present, approximately 3,800 cubic metres of water per second (cumecs) is being released downstream.
The minister said the project recorded its highest inflow of around 13,800 cumecs during the recent spell of heavy rainfall on July 13. Of that volume, nearly 12,500 cumecs was released in a regulated manner, while the remaining water was retained in the reservoir to help reduce the impact of flooding downstream.
Pegu stated that reservoir levels are under constant surveillance and that all dam operations are being carried out in accordance with the guidelines and protocols of the National Dam Safety Authority.
After interacting with engineers and inspecting the project, the minister said he was satisfied that the Lower Subansiri Dam was structurally safe and that water releases were being managed in a controlled and carefully monitored manner.
He assured residents of Dhemaji, Lakhimpur and Majuli districts that there was no cause for unnecessary concern, adding that the dam is designed to temporarily store excess inflows during periods of intense rainfall and release water in a regulated way to help moderate floods.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to public safety, Pegu said protecting downstream communities remains the highest priority and that all concerned agencies are working in close coordination to ensure the responsible operation of the project.
