Last Updated: 29th October, 2023 20:42 IST
Assam: Subansiri river dries up, concerns over impact of Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Power Project, India’s largest hydro power project
First Published: 28th October, 2023 18:45 IST
Apprehension and uncertainty have gripped people in downstream areas of Assam since the Subansiri river is one of the major lifeline for them
A landslide in the upper reaches of the Subansiri river which has blocked one of the 5 diversion tunnels of the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project has once again raised serious doubts about construction of a dam on a river which may have far reaching implications in the days to come.
Out of the five diversion tunnels, only diversion tunnel No 1 which was in use in the power project, was blocked due to landslide that occurred around 11:30 am on Friday.
The other four diversion tunnels had already been blocked earlier after construction works were complete. As a result, the river flow to the downstream has been highly reduced.
An unprecedented situation now prevails in south of Assam where the Subansiri river has dried up which has already raised an alarm in the downstream areas of Dhemaji and Lakhimpur districts. The situation is such that the river bed is now visible at certain locations. The common people as well as groups, organisations and environmentalists are deeply concerned about what is happening.
The aquatic life has also been adversely affected owing to the situation arising out of the tunnel blockade in the Hydroelectric power project. Thousands of fish have died so far due to the river drying up.
A resident along the banks of the Subansiri river in downstream said, “It will be wrong to think that the river will become normal since experts have said that if a river dam project comes then during winter when there will be more necessity of water to generate power, then when the dam gates would be shut, the flow of the Subansiri river will reduce. This has been proved yesterday. The aquatic life, migratory birds have been severely affected. If plans are not revoked than we the people in the downstream will have the same situation every winter.”
Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project (SLHEP) is an under-construction gravity dam with a power generation capacity of 2000 MW (8×250 MW). This run of river project is the biggest hydroelectric project undertaken in the entire nation. Nearly 90% of the project has already been completed and it is likely to be commissioned by next year.
COMMENTS
TOPMOST STORY NOW
Live Union Tourism Ministry pulls up Sikkim Tourism Dept for ‘exploitative’ cab rates
18th May 2024Live Meghalaya: Retaining wall of new Assembly building collapses in Mawdiangdiang
18th May 2024Live Tripura: Poor performance of 125 Vidyajyoti Schools sparks political controversy
18th May 2024Live Illegal appointments in PHE & WS department: ACS seek termination of corrupt officials
18th May 2024WE RECOMMEND
IPL 2024: Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders match In Guwahati tomorrow
The top run scorer for Rajasthan Royals in the competition is Riyan Parag with 531 runs, smacking 4 half-centuries to his name.
18th May 2024Fire in Silchar computer institute, girl jumps from 4th floor
Cachar SP Numal Mahatta informed that at least 8 fire tenders along with fire brigade and ONGC plunged into action and control the flames.
18th May 2024Territorial Army organises mass plantation drive to kickstart platinum jubilee in Assam’s Sonitpur
The mass plantation drive is just the beginning of a series of events planned throughout the Platinum Jubilee Year to promote environmental awareness and sustainability.
17th May 2024Fmr Assam Education Minister Thaneswar Boro dies at 86
Boro's body will be taken to his hometown Rangia where his last rites will be performed later today.
17th May 2024Assam: 13 people fall ill after consuming poisonous mushrooms in Charaideo
The incident has been reported from the Borhat Tea Estate under the Borhat police station in Charaideo.
16th May 2024