By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: Authorities have issued a precautionary alert as water levels in the Kopili Reservoir at Umrangso in Assam’s Dima Hasao district continue to rise following persistent rainfall in the Khandong catchment area.
According to an official communication, the spillway gates of the Khandong dam may be opened in phases from the night of June 18, depending on site conditions, to maintain the reservoir within safe operating levels.
Officials said details regarding the volume of water released and the number of gates opened would be communicated periodically whenever gate operations are carried out.
The administration has asked local authorities to alert residents living along the banks of the Kopili River and downstream areas about the possible release of water. People have been advised to exercise caution while using river water and to keep livestock away from riverbanks.
Meanwhile, the first-time reservoir filling of the Lower Kopili Hydro Electric Project (LKHEP) at Longku, being undertaken by Assam Power Generation Corporation Limited (APGCL), is currently in progress. Authorities said the volume of water flowing further downstream from Longku would depend on the operation of the LKHEP dam gates.
Residents of vulnerable and low-lying areas have been urged to remain alert and follow official advisories as the situation develops.