Assam News

Massive landslide continues at Lower Subansiri project

Sentinel Digital Desk

A CORRESPONDENT

LAKHIMPUR: Like the past days, massive landslide near the Diversion Tunnels continues in the catchment area of the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project (SLHP) being constructed by NHPC Limited at Gerukamukh of Dhemaji district located in the Assam-Arunachal border area. Continuous landslide has affected the left side hill made of soft sedimentary rock in the upper part of the project dam, where the five Diversion Tunnels were constructed. As per report received from sources, the ongoing natural calamity has affected the diversion Tunnel-3 at present.

The Diversion Tunnel- 2, out of five of the project, which were constructed at the hill, made of soft sedimentary rock and projecting towards Assam in order to plug the main dam, collapsed at night on September 15. The overflowing water of the catchment area washed away this collapsed Diversion Tunnel at night on September 23. Diversion Tunnel-5 of the project has been lying non-functional for a long period. Sources said that Diversion Tunnel-1 has also become non-functional since a couple of days though the NHPC limited has not declared it formally. As a result of it, the massive force of water in the catchment area has exerted pressure upon the Diversion Tunnel-3 and Diversion Tunnel-4.

In addition to collapse of the Diversion Tunnel- 2 of the mega river dam project with 2000 MW installation capacity, the tremendous pressure of the overflowing water of the catchment area collapsed a part of the Power House guard wall on September 25 and inundated the Power House. The Power House is still under water and NHPC Limited has been trying to remove the water from the Power House with the help of motor pump as per report.

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