Excess water released from Ranganadi dam; administration sounds alert in Lakhimpur

A CORRESPONDENT

LAKHIMPUR: Due to heavy downpour in Arunachal Pradesh and the districts of North Assam, including Lakhimpur district, the water level in the upper catchment area of Ranganadi Hydro-Electric Plant (RHEP) located at Yazali is rising. As a result, the management of the RHEP, operated by NEEPCO, has released excess water from the reservoir of the Ranganadi dam by opening its Radial Gate No. 4 by 3000mm since 3pm on Monday. Prior to it, the gate was opened by 200mm from 1.45 pm on the day. As a consequence, the water level of the downstream of the Ranganadi River is also rising.

Following this, the Lakhimpur district administration has issued alert. By an order, Deputy Commissioner of Lakhimpur, Dr. Jeevan B. restricted movement on the bamboo bridges constructed over the Ranganadi River as per the Disaster Management Act in order to prevent any loss of life.

Further, general public has been cautioned to refrain themselves from venturing into the Ranganadi River for fishing, swimming and plying boats in order to avoid any eventuality. People living near the river have been advised to remain alert but not to panic. In this regard, alarms have also been activated and gaon burahs have been informed.

Though the Radial Gate No. 4 of the Ranganadi dam on Sunday was opened by 300mm from 12.45pm, by 500mm at 1.00 pm, by 300 mm from 2.00pm, by 200mm from 6.30 pm and by 100 mm from 7.30 pm to release the excess water, the Gate was closed at 7.45pm. The gate of the dam was opened by 2800 mm from 7.15 pm till the time of filing of this report.

Also read: North Eastern Electric Power Corporation releases excess water from Ranganadi Dam due to the rise in water level