Gerukamukh, August 3: Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu on Monday visited the NHPC's Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Project at Gerukamukh to review its operational and safety mechanisms amid public concerns over water releases during the monsoon.
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| Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu inspects the NHPC Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Project at Gerukamukh. During his visit, he reviewed the dam's operational and safety systems, including the Early Warning System, and assured residents that the project is safe and water releases are being closely monitored in accordance with national safety protocols. (Image: X/ranojpeguassam) |
During the visit, Pegu inspected the dam, the control room, including the Early Warning System, and the reservoir. He interacted with project engineers to understand the dam's operational procedures and flood management protocols.
According to the Minister, the dam stands 116 metres above the riverbed, while the reservoir is currently filled up to 92 metres, maintaining a 15-metre flood cushion to help moderate floods. At present, around 3,800 cubic metres per second (cumecs) of water is being released downstream.
Pegu said the project successfully managed the recent spell of heavy rainfall, when the highest inflow of about 13,800 cumecs was recorded on July 13. Of this, nearly 12,500 cumecs was released in a regulated manner while sufficient water was retained in the reservoir to reduce downstream flood risks.
He noted that the reservoir level is continuously monitored and that dam operations are carried out in accordance with the guidelines of the National Dam Safety Authority.
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"After personally inspecting the project and interacting with the engineers, 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.
The Minister also sought to reassure residents of Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, and Majuli, stating that there was no reason for undue concern. He said the dam has the capacity to temporarily store excess water during periods of heavy rainfall and release it in a regulated manner to help moderate floods.
Emphasising that the safety of downstream communities remains the highest priority, Pegu said all concerned agencies are working in close coordination to ensure the dam is operated responsibly and in accordance with established safety protocols.
