Assam floods: Govt says heavy rainfall caused river surge, not Bhutan dam release

Guwahati: The Assam government stated that the recent increase in river water volume and flow is attributable to heavy rainfall in the upstream catchment areas and not to any sudden release of water from Bhutan, while Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that no one can forcefully raise money on the streets in the name of flood relief.

Sarma said that he has directed the police to act against individuals and groups soliciting donations in the name of flood victims.

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Sarma said that flood relief and rehabilitation measures are conducted under the government’s supervision. There is no longer any need for people to collect donations from the public through roadside campaigns, donation boxes or QR code scanners. "I have directed the police to check such activities and ensure that people no longer collect flood relief funds from the public in this manner. In the first seven days, the circumstances were different because the government could not reach every affected area. Now, the government has access to all flood-hit locations, people can also approach the authorities directly, and the final assessment for relief and rehabilitation is underway."

Sarma said those willing to help flood-affected people should contribute from their own resources rather than raising money from the public. "If someone wants to donate from their own pocket, we welcome it. Even if ten friends contribute together from their own money and provide relief, that is appreciated. But collecting money from shops and the public and then distributing it in your own name serves no purpose. If you take money from me and distribute relief in your own name, then it is no longer my contribution. You are simply passing on money collected from others. That is not genuine flood relief. These activities only defame Assam's name."

The Chief Secretary Ravi Kota has issued a clarification regarding circulating "Flood Alert" information. It stated that it has come to our attention that an advisory notice titled "Bhutan River: 3 Gates Opened" is circulating online and linking current river water levels to dam operations in Bhutan.

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He stated on X, "As per information received from the concerned authorities in Bhutan, this information is incorrect. Key information shared by the Hydrology Department of Bhutan. As per the information received, the recent increase in river water volume and flow is attributable to heavy rainfall in the upstream catchment areas and not to any sudden dam gate operations. Routine maintenance: The information further indicates that the Kurichhu Hydropower Plant undertook controlled reservoir-flushing operations on 21 July as part of routine maintenance activities. No unannounced or emergency releases are stated to be underway."

He added, "The Bhutanese authorities have stated that all major dam operations are governed by established protocols and that downstream stakeholders are informed through the appropriate channels well in advance. Continuous coordination: The Flood Control Rooms of Assam and Bhutan remain in regular contact and maintain real-time communication regarding rainfall, river levels and any developments that may have a bearing on downstream areas. Citizens are advised to rely only on official sources of information and refrain from sharing unverified reports and rumours. The situation is being closely monitored by the concerned authorities."

On Wednesday, water levels in the Aie River and the Aie-Manas river system rose sharply. Assam's flood situation remained grim, with 14 districts and around 1.6 lakh people affected, while the death toll climbed to 95.