The Assam government has dismissed ‘flood alerts’ on social media linking rising water levels in Assam to emergency dam operations in Bhutan.
In a clarification issued on Thursday regarding ‘circulating flood alerts’, the chief secretary clarified that “an advisory notice titled “Bhutan River: 3 Gates Opened” is circulating online and linking current river water levels to dam operations in Bhutan. According to information received from the concerned authorities in Bhutan, this information is incorrect.”
According to information shared by the hydrology department of Bhutan, the recent increase in river water volume and flow (in Assam) is attributable to heavy rainfall in the upstream catchment areas and not to any sudden dam gate operations.
“The information further indicates that the Kurichhu Hydropower Plant undertook controlled reservoir-flushing operations on July 21 as part of routine maintenance activities. No unannounced or emergency releases are stated to be underway,” the chief secretary clarified.
Further, the Bhutanese authorities have stated that all major dam operations are governed by established protocols and that downstream stakeholders are informed through the appropriate channels well in advance.
“The flood control rooms of Assam and Bhutan remain in regular contact and maintain real-time communication regarding rainfall, river levels and any developments that may have a bearing on downstream areas,” he stated.
The state government has advised citizens to rely only on official sources of information and refrain from sharing unverified reports and rumours. “The situation is being closely monitored by the concerned authorities,” the chief secretary stated.
Assam govt dismisses rumours linking floods to bhutan dam operations
