Arunachal: No Breach at Subansiri Hydroelectric project, powerhouse safe, says NHPC

Lakhimpur: The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) has rubbished reports circulating in the media regarding a breach at the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project (SLHEP) at Gerukamukh along Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border.

Earlier reports claimed a dyke near the powerhouse had broken, causing water to enter the facility. NHPC officials claimed this information is inaccurate.

According to a statement by A.N. Mohammed, Consultant for NHPC Ltd., a temporary earthen dyke was constructed alongside the Tail Race Channel (TRC) during the dry season.

This dyke was intended to facilitate the movement of heavy machinery for installing spillway and draft tube gates, he said.

As anticipated with the monsoon season's arrival, the increased river flow caused the temporary dyke to breach. However, this breach only led water into the TRC, a concrete channel designed to carry water released from the powerhouse back to the river after power generation.

"The TRC is normally filled with water. The increase in river discharge and the breach of the temporary dyke have no impact on the powerhouse itself. All project components of the Subansiri Lower HE Project, including the powerhouse, remain safe," clarified Mohammed.