GUWAHATI: The Northeastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO) on Wednesday, August 5 evening released water from the Doyang Hydro Electric Project reservoir in Nagaland, prompting an alert for downstream areas in Assam, particularly districts already grappling with flood conditions.
According to the media reports, the controlled discharge began at around 4 pm after four spillway gates of the reservoir were opened. At the time of the release, the reservoir's water level had reached 322.4 metres, with each gate raised by 1.25 metres to regulate the inflow and maintain safe storage levels.
So far, around 213 cubic meters per second (cumecs) of water has been released as part of standard reservoir management measures to prevent excessive pressure on the dam during the ongoing spell of heavy rainfall.
Officials said the controlled release is expected to increase water levels in the Doyang and Dhansiri rivers, which flow into Assam. The development has raised concerns for low-lying and riverbank areas, especially in districts where flooding has already affected normal life, as the additional discharge could aggravate the existing situation.
Authorities have cautioned that river conditions downstream may change depending on fresh rainfall and further inflows into the reservoir. Residents living along the riverbanks and in vulnerable areas have been advised to remain alert, avoid entering swollen rivers, and follow instructions issued by local administrations.
Disaster management agencies and district authorities are closely monitoring the water levels and the impact of the release. Officials said further advisories will be issued if additional water needs to be discharged or if weather conditions worsen.