Assam Minister Assures Safety of Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Project

: Assam Education, Plain Tribes and Information Technology Minister Ranoj Pegu on Monday said the NHPC’s Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Project at Gerukamukh is operating safely and under continuous monitoring, assuring downstream residents that there is no cause for concern. Pegu made the remarks after inspecting the hydropower project, where he reviewed the dam, control room, reservoir and the Early Warning System to assess its operational and safety measures. According to the minister, the 116-metre-high dam currently has water stored up to 92 metres, while maintaining a 15-metre flood cushion to help manage excess inflows during heavy rainfall. At present, around 3,800 cubic metres of water per second (cumecs) is being released downstream. He said the project effectively managed a major inflow during the recent spell of heavy rain. On July 13, the reservoir recorded its highest inflow of nearly 13,800 cumecs, of which around 12,500 cumecs was released in a regulated manner while the remaining water was retained to help reduce the flood impact downstream. Pegu said reservoir levels are being monitored round the clock and the dam is being operated in accordance with the safety protocols prescribed by the National Dam Safety Authority. “After personally inspecting the project and interacting with the engineers, I am satisfied that the Lower Subansiri Dam is safe and that water releases are being managed in a controlled and systematic manner,” the minister said. He also sought to reassure residents of Dhemaji , Lakhimpur and Majuli, stating that the reservoir is designed to temporarily store excess water during periods of intense rainfall before releasing it gradually, helping moderate flood conditions downstream. Pegu added that protecting the lives and livelihoods of people living downstream remains the government’s top priority and said all agencies involved are working in close coordination to ensure the safe and responsible operation of the project.