GUWAHATI: Amid growing concerns over the operation of the Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Project during the monsoon, Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu on Monday, August 3, assured residents living downstream that the dam was operating safely after inspecting the project and its operational systems.
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Pegu visited NHPC’s Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Project at Gerukamukh, where he inspected the dam structure, control room, Early Warning System and reservoir to understand water discharge management and operational procedures.
According to the minister, the dam stands 116 metres above the riverbed. He said the reservoir is currently filled up to 92 metres while maintaining a 15-metre flood cushion to accommodate excess inflows during periods of heavy rainfall.
The project is currently releasing around 3,800 cubic metres of water per second (cumecs) downstream, Pegu said.
Sharing details of recent operations, the minister said the highest inflow during the recent spell of heavy rainfall was recorded on July 13, when around 13,800 cumecs of water entered the reservoir. Of this, nearly 12,500 cumecs was released in a regulated manner, while the remaining volume was temporarily stored in the reservoir.
Pegu said reservoir levels are being continuously monitored and dam operations are carried out according to protocols laid down by the National Dam Safety Authority.
After interacting with National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) engineers, the minister said he was convinced that the project was operating safely and that water releases were being closely monitored.
“I am convinced that the Lower Subansiri Dam is safe and that the release of water is carefully monitored and fully under control,” Pegu said in a post on X.
Addressing concerns among residents of Dhemaji, Lakhimpur and Majuli, Pegu said there was “no reason for undue concern”. He added that during periods of heavy rainfall or sudden inflows, the reservoir can temporarily store excess water and release it gradually.
The 2,000 MW Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Project, being developed by NHPC on the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border, has remained one of the Northeast’s most debated infrastructure projects due to concerns over seismic safety, downstream flood risks and environmental impact.