Bowing to pressure, the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) has agreed to supply 300 MW of unallocated power to Assam from the Subansiri (Lower) Hydroelectric Power Project, in addition to 233 MW from the sub-lower Hydroelectric Project.
In a note circulated by the Ministry of Power regarding the updated status of the 2000 MW project, which has been mired in controversy, it claimed that the Technical Advisory Committee (TEC) constituted by the Planning Commission examined the various issues and based on its recommendation, the Dam Design Review Panel (DDRP) was formed, which in its recommendation, has validated the seismic design parameter adopted in the design of the project.
The note said that all downstream issues were examined by the Joint Steering Committee (JSC) and the NHPC has agreed to implement its recommendation having an implication of Rs 470 crore. It has also been decided to give 300 MW unallocated power to Assam, in addition to 233 MW including 25 MW free and 208 MW paid power – it is getting from the sub-lower Hydroelectric Project.
The note further said that certain design innovations in the energy dissipation arrangement (EDA) have been recommended as additional safety measures to allay the apprehensions and concerns expressed by some sections of the society relating to safety of the dam. Besides, the quantum of minimum continuous release, which was 6 cumec and one of the major concerns, has been reviewed and it has been agreed to maintain minimum continuous flow of 250-300 cumec operating one unit continuously, the note said.
There would be an insignificant adverse impact downsteam and benefits are manifold to boost economy, lifestyle and prosperity of the area, the Ministry of Power said.
The Subansiri Lower Project has been stalled for the last couple of years following agitations spearheaded by the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) and Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti and other anti-dam groups citing concerns over its downstream impact in Assam.
About flood moderation, it was stated that the Subansiri Lower Project is a run-of-the-river project with small pondage for peaking power, as well as to attenuate the floods during the Monsoon season by operating the reservoir at low level. The project would help flood having flood attenuation by regulated discharge of water in the river. During flood period, the reservoir would be operated 15 m below the Full Reservoir Level (FRL) having flood cushion of 442 Mcum.
Since it has been planned for flood moderation of the Subansiri river, when operated in integration with Subansiri (middle) and upper, their integrated operation can moderate hundred-year return flood below SLP.
The Thatte Committee that was appointed to go into the issue has categorically stated that there can be no flood control without dams.JSC has reiterated that in the Subansiri Basin, integrated reservoir operation of the Subansiri lower, middle and upper is required for effective flood moderation downstream.
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