Assam govt debunks claims of Bhutan Dam water release behind floods

Guwahati: The Assam government has dismissed viral social media claims alleging that the worsening flood situation in the state was triggered by the opening of dam gates in Bhutan, asserting that the reports were baseless and factually incorrect, officials said on Thursday.

In an official clarification, the Chief Secretary Ravi Kota said the widely circulated advisory claiming “Bhutan River: 3 Gates Opened” had no factual basis and was contradicted by information shared by Bhutan’s Hydrology Department.

The state government said the recent increase in river discharge was caused by heavy rainfall in upstream catchment areas and not by any emergency or unannounced release of water from dams in Bhutan.

According to the clarification, Bhutanese authorities informed Assam that the Kurichhu Hydropower Plant had undertaken a scheduled reservoir-flushing exercise on July 21 as part of routine maintenance operations. The process had been carried out under established procedures and was unrelated to the current rise in river levels.

Officials from Bhutan also clarified that no emergency discharge of water is presently underway. They reiterated that all major dam operations are conducted in accordance with standard operating protocols, with downstream stakeholders being informed through official communication channels well in advance.

The Assam Chief Secretary said the flood control authorities of Assam and Bhutan remain in constant coordination, maintaining real-time exchanges on rainfall patterns, river water levels and any developments that may have implications for downstream regions.

The government urged citizens not to rely on unverified social media posts or rumours regarding flood-related developments and appealed to the public to follow only official advisories issued by the authorities.

The clarification comes when Assam continues to battle floods in several districts, with swollen rivers inundating low-lying areas and affecting thousands of people.

Officials said the flood situation is being monitored, and coordination with Bhutanese agencies has been strengthened to ensure timely sharing of hydrological information.

IANS