Lakhimpur, June 3 — In light of the escalating flood crisis triggered by continuous rainfall and the release of dam water, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma convened a high-level review meeting with officials of the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) at the Ranganadi Hydro Electric Power Plant in Lilabari, Lakhimpur district.
The meeting was held on-site to assess the growing concerns regarding the flood situation in downstream areas. The Chief Minister expressed serious concern over the impact on local communities and emphasized the urgent need for preemptive actions to reduce the flood threat.
Phased Release of Water to Control Flood Crisis
During the meeting, the Chief Minister directed NEEPCO to adopt a phased release of water from the dam to minimize sudden flooding in affected regions. He stressed that sudden discharges of large water volumes could severely aggravate the flood crisis, putting lives, homes, and livelihoods at greater risk.
Sarma instructed engineers and plant officials to maintain a detailed release plan that considers rainfall patterns, catchment inflow, and downstream water levels. The aim is to avoid abrupt surges in river flow and mitigate flood risks across vulnerable zones.
Early Alerts and Coordination Key to Handling the Flood Crisis
To strengthen flood preparedness, the Assam CM underlined the necessity for issuing early flood alerts. He directed NEEPCO to build a robust communication system with the district administration, local disaster response units, and village-level committees to ensure timely information sharing.
“Any delay in warnings can escalate the flood crisis drastically. We must prioritize lives and property through proactive coordination and prompt alerts,” Sarma stated.
He also urged the deployment of dedicated liaison officers from NEEPCO to work directly with the Lakhimpur District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) for seamless coordination.
Chief Minister Reviews Ground-Level Flood Crisis
Following the review meeting, the Chief Minister visited several flood-affected areas near the power plant and interacted with local residents. People in the area shared their concerns about recurring floods and sought long-term solutions to their suffering.
Sarma assured residents that the government is treating the flood crisis as a priority issue and will take necessary steps to provide relief, rehabilitation, and permanent flood control measures. He also noted that infrastructure upgrades and watershed management are essential components of a sustainable flood mitigation strategy.
Focus on Technical Audits and Safety Protocols
The CM also asked NEEPCO to conduct an immediate technical audit of the Ranganadi dam’s discharge mechanism to identify any operational issues that may be contributing to the flood crisis. He emphasized the need for strict adherence to safety protocols and better instrumentation for rainfall and water flow monitoring.
“We must modernize our early warning systems and data management if we are to handle the flood crisis effectively in future years,” said Sarma.
Long-Term Strategy to Resolve Assam’s Flood Crisis
In his concluding remarks, Sarma said that Assam requires a comprehensive, long-term flood management strategy that combines hydrological planning, dam operation protocols, and community awareness.
The government is in talks with central agencies and hydroelectric companies to create an integrated flood forecasting and management system. The CM reiterated that while rainfall is a natural phenomenon, its impact can be controlled through smarter dam operations and better collaboration between agencies.
Flood Crisis Response to be Monitored Weekly
The Chief Minister announced that a state-level monitoring cell will oversee flood crisis response efforts on a weekly basis. This cell will include representatives from the power sector, water resources department, disaster management authorities, and local administration.
The initiative aims to create a real-time overview of flood-related developments and provide faster decision-making and support where needed.
Conclusion
The flood crisis in Assam, exacerbated by dam releases and incessant rain, continues to be a significant challenge. However, proactive steps taken by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma during the review at the Ranganadi Power Plant offer hope for better management and mitigation. The focus on phased water release, early alerts, and inter-agency coordination could help in minimizing the devastating impact of floods on the people of Assam.
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