Assam Issues Flood Alert After NEEPCO Opens Dam Gates

The North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO) has released water from the Doyang Hydro Electric Project reservoir in Nagaland. This action was taken to manage water levels following continuous heavy rainfall in the region. The administration has issued a high alert in Assam due to the risk of flooding in low-lying areas.

Water Release Details

Following safety protocols for reservoir management, NEEPCO opened four spillway gates on Wednesday, August 5, at approximately 4:00 PM. The water level in the reservoir was recorded at 322.4 meters at the time of the release. Each of the four spillway gates was opened to a height of 1.25 meters, resulting in a controlled discharge of approximately 213 cubic meters per second (cumecs). Authorities stated that this decision was necessary to maintain safe storage levels and ensure the structural integrity of the dam.

Impact on River Levels

As a result of the water release, the water levels of the Doyang and Dhansiri rivers are expected to rise gradually. This increase in water flow may lead to rising water levels in downstream areas and settlements in Assam over the next few hours. Officials are monitoring the situation closely, noting that further developments will depend on the intensity of rainfall and the amount of new water entering the reservoir.

Safety Advisory for Residents

District administration and disaster management authorities have prepared for potential emergencies. Local residents living in sensitive areas near the riverbanks have been issued a special advisory to stay alert. People are advised to avoid unnecessary travel near the rivers or low-lying areas until the situation returns to normal. Relevant agencies and disaster management teams are maintaining a 24-hour watch on reservoir levels and weather forecasts to provide further guidance if conditions change.