(Feature Image: Flooded streets of Ankleshwar, Bharuch district, Sept. 19, 2023. Photo: Kalpesh Gurjar/India Today)
In this third annual overview on dams and hydro power projects, we have compiled the reports on flood disasters caused by unscientific or improper operation of dams, hydro and barrage projects in India in 2023. The report highlights criminal negligence by SSNNL and BBMP resulting in massive flood destruction in parts of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.
Similarly, the sudden discharges from hydro power dams in Assam, Himachal and Uttarakhand have caused flash flood deluge damaging human properties along the respective rivers. The report also covers some incidents of barrage induced flood events along Ganga in Uttar Pradesh and along Yamuna in Delhi. The first part of the series on Hydro and dam related accidents and second part on People’s Protests against Hydro & Dam Projects in India in 2023 can be seen here and here respectively.
SSP Dam Floods Gujarat & Madhya Pradesh
Unaccountable operators again bring avoidable floods Starting Sept 16, 2023, Sardar Sarovar Dam on Narmada river in Gujarat started releasing massive quantities of water, that too without notice. It brought unprecedented floods on the banks of the Narmada river downstream of SSP. SANDRP shows that there was sufficient advance information about rainfall in the upstream catchment, based on action could have been taken starting from Sept 14, in which case, there would have been no such flood disaster in downstream Gujarat. The shutting down of the Sardar Sarovar River Bed House starting from Sept 6 also contributed to the disaster and if the power house had continued to operate at full load, it would have further reduced the disaster in the downstream Gujarat.
The fact is that the Sardar Sarovar Project (SSP) authorities got away with unaccountable reservoir operations in Sept 2020 among other occasions and so did the numerous other dam operators across India. This gives another reason why the SSP authorities may not have bothered to take advance action warranted both on the basis of past experience, actionable information and rule curve requirements. They were pretty sure that no one is going to touch them or that no-one will be held accountable. All this also shows how inadequate is the Dam Safety Act, the paraphernalia of institutions created around it both at state level and central level. It also shows that how CWC authorities have once again failed in their task and they are also going to not having to answer any questions. https://sandrp.in/2023/09/17/unaccountable-sardar-sarovar-operators-again-bring-avoidable-floods-in-downstream-gujarat/ (17 Sept. 2023)
Why was River Bed Power House stopped since Sept 6? Another intriguing aspect of this man-made disaster has come to light. Shockingly, there was no power generation at the 1200 MW River Bed Power House (RBPH) of the SSP from Sept 6 to Sept 16. This not only means loss of power generation of about 270 million units (MU), worth over Rs 80 Crores even at low price of Rs 3 per unit), but also it would have meant release of 1200 cumecs or, 42000 cusecs and over ten days, this would have meant reduction of about 12000 cumecs or 4.2 lakh cusecs from peak discharge for 24 hours, and this itself would have hugely reduced the flood disaster. https://sandrp.in/2023/09/20/avoidable-flood-disaster-from-unaccountable-sardar-sarovar-operation-why-was-river-bed-power-house-stopped-since-sept-6/ (20 Sept. 2023)
Excellent, detailed BBC (Gujarati) report about the Sardar Sarovar dam made disaster in Gujarat and upstream MP. The statements from NCA experts corroborate here what SANDRP has been saying. https://www.bbc.com/gujarati/articles/c3glg92843eo (23 Sept. 2023)
Himanshu Thakkar, an environmental activist and water expert, told Down To Earth: These floods could have been significantly lower and much less disastrous both for SSP upstream and downstream areas if SSP authorities had taken action earlier based on information available. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/natural-disasters/swollen-narmada-displaces-thousands-in-gujarat-was-this-an-avoidable-disaster–91807 (18 Sept. 2023)
“There is hard data that there was rain upstream starting the 14th [of September] itself,” said Himanshu Thakkar of SANDRP. “They have models which tell you inflow based on rainfall.” https://scroll.in/article/1056412/ahead-of-modis-birthday-gujarat-dam-delayed-water-release-despite-heavy-rain-and-official-alerts (23 Sept. 2023)
Former Gujarat minister in the previous BJP government Jay Narayan Vyas on Sep 22 said the recent flooding by the Narmada River that inundated towns and villages downstream was due to “criminal negligence” of officials of Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited (SSNNL), a government arm that operates and manages the Sardar Sarovar Dam. “The primary objective of the dam was flood management and protection. You (SSNNL) could not even properly manage the water flow (in and out of dam). It is criminal negligence on part of SSNNL that they did not release water despite heavy inflows into the dam from September 13,” Vyas told reporters. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/floods-in-narmada-criminal-negligence-of-ssnnl-officials-ex-bjp-minister-vyas-8951848/lite/ (22 Sept. 2023)
Surat-based Brackish Water Research Centre (BWRC) has sent a scathing letter to Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, outlining allegations of gross negligence on the part of the SSNNL. Perhaps the most concerning revelation in the BWRC’s letter is the claim that the SSNNL remained inactive for a period of approximately 48 to 72 hours before taking any action. After this crucial window, around 18.76 lakh cusecs (706 cumecs) of water were simultaneously released, exacerbating the flooding situation in Bharuch district. https://theblunttimes.in/narmada-floods-were-man-made-bwrc/36288/ (20 Sept. 2023)
The Gujarat govt so far has not been able to come out with any explanation for this man-made disaster created by them. The only rather lame excuse that both the Narmada minister and CM have come out is that there were heavy rains in the catchment, releases from upstream dams and inflow of over 22 lakh cusecs and they actually managed to reduce the outflow to 18.61 lakh cusecs. https://sabrangindia.in/narmada-floods-why-no-output-at-1200-mw-dam-power-house-for-10-days-asks-sandrp/ (21 Sept. 2023) – Totally lame excuse of Gujarat CM about release of huge amount of water from SSP, at what he admits at very short notice. They had enough time and information to release water from Sept 14, but they did not. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/gujarat-dams-on-high-alert-imd-heavy-predictions-gujarat-weather-update-8945909/ (19 Sept. 2023)
Who is responsible for back water floods in 193 villages It has been 10 days since the occurrence of the flood, yet NVDA has not disclosed any data regarding the extent of damage caused by this natural disaster. Ground Report attempted to obtain an official response regarding this mater; we reached out to the designated contact person, Chief Information Officer Neeraj, on the official authority phone number. However, unfortunately, Neeraj did not respond to our call. https://groundreport.in/193-villages-in-madhya-pradesh-flood-due-to-sardar-sarovars-backwater-who-is-responsible/ (30 Sept. 2023) https://groundreport.in/sardar-sarovar-backwater-floods-barwani-and-khargone/ (30 Sept. 2023)
Women farmers narrate the losses they have suffered due to Sardar Sarovar brought disaster in Gujarat and demand full compensation from the govt. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YzAY65fxf0 (04 Oct. 2023)
Villagers say that the ‘man-made’ flood was caused by opening of dam gates on Narmada River without any intimation to low-lying areas downstream the two districts. Houses and fields on the banks of Narmada in Mandleshwar, Kasrawad and Barwaha subdivisions of Khargone district of West Nimar were damaged. The same flood water caused devastation in Barwani and Rajpur sub-divisions of Barwani district.
Entire extent of damage could not be surveyed due to strike of patwaris. Nevertheless, after conducting a survey, a compensation of about Rs 10 crore has been fixed for 9,022 affected people in 343 villages of 11 tehsils of three sub-divisions of Khargone district. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhopal/crops-destroyed-losses-unpaid-now-code-woes-haunt-villagers/articleshow/104485694.cms (17 Oct. 2023)
Farmers in large numbers from Barwani, Alirajpur, Dhar and Khargone districts lost their cattle or found their crops damaged and their stock of grains ruined when water levels suddenly rose on the night of September 15. In parts of villages close to the river, the flood water has not receded. Many residents, such as Mandloi, cannot return home. https://scroll.in/article/1058114/their-houses-flooded-ahead-of-modis-birthday-voters-in-eight-madhya-pradesh-seats-angry-with-bjp (02 Nov. 2023)
Omkareshwar Dam Floods Local people say that they had probably never seen such a flood in Omkareshwar before. People believe that this flood was not natural but was created due to human carelessness and ambition. Local journalist Rajendra Purohit tells that recently the statue of Shankaracharya was to be unveiled on Omkar Mountain. Earlier this statue was to be inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi on his birthday but his program was canceled and later it was unveiled by CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The culvert on the river to reach the site gets flooded with little water discharge from the dam but to facilitate the vehicle movement through this culvert, water was not released from the dam. https://www.deshgaon.com/top-stories/the-gates-of-omkareshwar-dam-suddenly-opened-and-there-was-a-terrible-flood-in-the-narmada-river-peoples-stories1/ (29 Sept. 2023)
Former CM Digvijaya Singh, on Sept. 28, demanded a thorough investigation into the delayed release of water from Omkareshwar Dam, causing huge floods and devastations recently. He said that the matter should be probed by a retired judge and strict action should be taken against the responsible and guilty officers. https://www.freepressjournal.in/indore/mp-digvijaya-demands-probe-into-delayed-release-of-water-from-dam-in-khargone (28 Sept. 2023)
Before Sep 2023, scores of people were trapped in flash flood of the dam following sudden water discharges in April 2023. The NHDC, which maintains the dam, released water from Omkareshwar Dam at 11 am causing sudden increase in Narmada river water level downstream the dam. At that time, 30 devotees who were taking bath in the river got stuck in the current and managed to save their lives by holding on to the rocks in the river. Later the sailors went to save them. With the help of ropes, they were brought into the boat and brought to the shore.
Since it was Sunday (Apr 9), there was a lot of crowd in Omkareshwar. Ignoring the crowd, the company sounded the hooter at 11 o’clock and released the water. People coming from other states were not aware of hooter system and failed to understand that the dam would be releasing water in the river. They kept bathing in the river. The negligence of the police administration was also clearly visible. Six people also started drowning at Bramhapuri Ghat. They were also saved by the sailors. https://www.amarujala.com/madhya-pradesh/indore/water-released-from-omkareshwar-dam-more-than-thirty-people-trapped-in-the-river-saved-their-lives-by-holdin-2023-04-09 (09 April 2023)
NHPC & BBMB Dams Flood Punjab, Himachal Pradesh
Punjab No dispute about role of Pong & Bhakra dams in Aug 2023 floods There is no dispute that the Punjab floods this month has happened due to sudden, massive and untimely release of waters from Bhakra and Pong dams. This article shows that there was sufficient information and reason for Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) to start water releases from Aug 9 if not earlier, which could have reduced the flood disaster proportions significantly. It is good that Himachal Pradesh has held BBMB guilty of violations by these dams among others, but a lot more needs to be done. https://sandrp.in/2023/08/21/no-dispute-about-role-of-pong-and-bhakra-dams-in-punjab-aug-2023-floods/ (21 Aug. 2023)
Dam authorities could’ve released water earlier but didn’t, says officer A dam officer said that during the initial two weeks of August when rains were minimal in Punjab, the dam authorities could have responsibly released a substantial amount of water to create more space. However, they maintained higher water levels instead. This decision, coupled with the sudden rise in water levels, led to the flooding of 63 villages in the Doaba region and around 150 villages in the Majha region.
The water level should have been brought down to 1,363 ft during the period of less rain, the officer added. The catastrophic aftermath of these floods has spurred widespread criticism and anger directed at the BBMB. Affected residents expressed dismay over the lack of proactive measures and the delay in releasing excess water during the initial rise in water levels. Experts and local leaders emphasised that maintaining an additional 10 feet of space (in the dam) during the recent rain in Himachal could have averted the severe downstream flooding. With affected individuals demanding accountability & a reevaluation of water management protocols, pressure is mounting on the BBMB. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/punjab-floods-dam-bbmb-water-8901641/ (21 Aug. 2023)
Dams that overflow These instances of high water levels at the Pong dam include 1,405 feet on September 21, 1978, 1404.23 feet on September 25, 1988 (coinciding with the fatal floods in Punjab), and 1403.20 feet on October 6, 1977. Except these three instances, this year’s levels remain distinct for their occurrence in August, a deviation from historical norms. Historically, in the August month, the maximum level went up to 1394.65 feet on August 29, 1992, 1391 feet on August 24, 1979, 1391.98 feet on August 25, 1994.
Bhakra dam water level data has its own stories to tell. During August this year, the water level at the dam reached 1677 feet on Aug 14, just three feet below the designated limit of 1680 feet. Notably, this marked a deviation from historical trends, where previous years rarely saw levels close to this limit during August. Instances of such proximity occurred on Aug 31, 1982 (1680.28 feet) and Aug 20, 2019 (1680.82 feet). The highest surge in the Bhakra Dam’s water level was recorded in 1988, when heavy rains in the last week of the rainy season led to a level of 1687.55 feet, surpassing the danger level by 7.55 feet on Sep 13. This resulted in devastating floods, with massive water releases causing significant damage. The second highest level was recorded at 1687.36 feet on Sep 9, 1975. The water level reached 1686.01 feet on Sep 21, 1983, 1685.96 feet on Sep 4, 1978, 1683.49 feet, 1682.67 feet and 1682.55 feet on Sep 7, 1995, Sep 29 1998 & Sep 6, 1994, respectively. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/punjab-water-woes-dams-give-sometimes-overflow-8911298/ (27 Aug. 2023)
Several villages inundated after water released from Pong, Bhakra dam Several villages near the Beas River in Hoshiarpur dist and the Sutlej River in Rupnagar dist were inundated following the release of water from the Pong & the Bhakra dams, officials said on Aug. 15.
In Hoshiarpur, several farmlands in the Talwara, Hajipur, Dasuya, Tanda and Mukerian villages were flooded due to water discharge from the Pong dam reservoir, said the officials. Water entered the low-lying villages, fields and some homes located near the Beas river, they said.
Talwara SHO Hargurdev Singh said 5 migrant labourers were rescued after they got trapped near the Shah Nehar barrage in Talwara due to the release of water from the dam. Another 15 labourers were rescued near Chakmirpur village, the police said. 9 members of a family in Changharwan village, located near the river, have also been rescued.
In Rupnagar district, about half a dozen villages, including Bela Dhyani, Bhanam, Palasi in Nangal area, were inundated following the release of excess water from the Bhakra dam. Several people were trapped in their homes in Bhanam and Lower Bela villages, located near the Sutlej River, due to a strong current, villagers said. https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2023/aug/15/several-villages-in-punjab-inundated-after-water-released-from-pong-bhakra-dam-2605559.html (15 August 2023)
Nangal area flooded as BBMB releases water from Bhakra As the flow of water into Gobind Sagar Dam has increased due to heavy rain in Himachal Pradesh, the BBMB on Aug. 15 released nearly 1 lakh cusecs of water from Bhakra dam leading to flooding of several villages. Sources said water level at Bhakra Dam reached 1678 feet against the upper limit of 1680 feet at 5 pm today and the inflow was recorded at 85,899 cusecs. Keeping in view the alarming situation the BBMB has decided to discharge 1 lakh cusecs of water, out of which 77,000 cusecs was released in the river while remaining was diverted through the canals.
Crop fields were inundated in several villages, including Bela Dhiani, Bela Ramgarh, Harsa Bela, Palasi, Bhanam, Bhalan, Sainsowal, Gohlani, PassiwalDasgrain, Jindwairi, Swaarrah, Taraf Majari, Mehndli Kalan, Dolowaal, Ballowal, Hariwal, Amarpur Bela, Shahpur Bela and Chandpur Bela. After flooding the fields the water started entering the houses by evening in the affected villages. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/several-villages-in-nangal-area-flooded-as-bbmb-releases-water-from-bhakra-dam-into-sutlej-535334 (15 Aug 2023)
300 stranded in Kangra With BBMB authorities releasing about 1 lakh cusecs of water from the Pong Dam, most of the Mand areas in Indora sub-division are flooded. The Pong Dam has already reached the retaining capacity of 1,395 feet and with inflows remaining above 2 lakh cusecs the BBMB authorities have little option but to release water downstream. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/300-stranded-in-himachal-pradeshs-kangra-as-water-is-released-from-pong-dam-535282 (15 August 2023)
Pong dam water flows into village after village Dozens of villages were submerged and people left stranded after over 1 lakh cusec water was released from Pong Dam on Aug 14, as the reservoir had got filled to the top.
The administration started issuing alerts on Aug 13, advising people not to go near the Beas. But, when the water was released the next day, it flooded entire village after village in Indora and Fatehpur sub-divisions. Villagers were trapped inside their houses with water all around and nowhere to go. Many houses were damaged, hundreds of animals, mostly cows and buffaloes, washed away in the sudden flooding. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/shimla/pong-dam-water-flows-into-village-after-village-in-kangra-boats-not-enough-rescue-now-airborne/articleshow/102787332.cms (17 Aug 2023)
Pong dam on Aug 14 2023 saw the highest ever inflow since 1974, of 7.3 lakh cusecs. Bhakra dam saw inflow of 1.93 lakh cusecs. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/bhakra-and-pong-dams-in-himachal-pradesh-brimming-after-heavy-rain-posing-threat-downstream-in-punjab-101692041800067.html (15 August 2023) The Pong Dam water level has gone beyond FRL of 1390 ft to now 1395.31 ft, which means it has storage of 107% of its capacity. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/pong-dam-records-highest-ever-inflow-535091 (15 Aug. 2023) Water overflowing from the Bhakra Dam has affected many villages in Anandpur Sahib. This marks the second instance of floods in Punjab within a span of 2 months. https://patialapolitics.com/33473/ (15 Aug. 2023)
Flood threat in Ravi after dam water release Two lakh cusecs of water was released in the Ujh river from Ujh Dam on July 9 morning. The water of the Ujh river entered the Ravi near Makura Patan, causing its level to increase. Ghonewal is the last village of the Amritsar dist on the banks of the Ravi river. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/amritsar/flood-threat-in-ravi-after-dam-water-release-rains-in-himachal-pradesh-524300 (10 July 2023)
Himachal Pradesh Residents blame NHPC dams for flood disaster in Sainj Valley The official report of what transpired in Sainj Valley under Banjar subdivision of Kullu district during July 8-10, 2023 is still not in public domain, however the multiple media reports suggest it to be one of the worst flood disasters for the valley and have once again raised serious questions on the role the hydropower (HEP) projects. Local people have specifically underlined the gross negligence by NHPC for turning floods into a disaster. Moreover, old media reports from the area have also highlighted that it was a disaster in the making for which the state govt, hydro projects and NHPC have contributed hugely. https://sandrp.in/2023/08/09/himachalis-blame-nhpc-dams-for-flood-disaster-in-sainj-valley-in-july-2023/ (9 August 2023)
Excellent Ground Report by Hridayesh Joshi about Sainj Valley floods starting from July 8, 2023 and role of hydropower projects and CWC’s absent flood forecast. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1KXtTt3Ho0 (17 August 2023)
Pandoh Floods Devastation after Pandoh dam gates opened The devastation at a market in Pandoh was not because of any flood, but floodgates of a dam opened on July 9, without any warning. A nine-feet wall of water had gushed into the market, breaking the safety wall on the banks, and left a trail of wreckage. https://www.ndtv.com/video/news/news/himachal-pradesh-flood-9-foot-wall-of-water-devastation-in-himachal-town-after-dam-gates-opened-710821 (12 Jul 2023)
After heavy rains, water started filling in Panhod Dam and Larji Dam, after which a large amount of water was released from these two dams. People allege that the BBMB management did not inform the people before releasing water and there was no siren sound to alert them. As a result, people could not know about the flood and suffered huge losses. The people of Panhod demanded strict action against the BBMB management. On the demand of the people, DC Mandi Arindam Choudhary ordered an inquiry against the BBMB management. https://www.etvbharat.com/hindi/himachal-pradesh/state/mandi/mandi-flood-dc-mandi-met-flood-victim-in-pandoh-flood-victims-protest-against-bbmb-in-mandi-himachal-prdaesh/hp20230713171751510510926 (13 July 2023)
In Pandoh, flash floods took place after water was released from the nearby Pandoh dam on July 8-9, dramatically increasing the water levels in the Beas. Locals blame the BBMB for “suddenly” releasing the water. “The employees had information given by the meteorological department. People should have been informed at the correct time. This was not done and the water was suddenly released,” said local journalist Balak Ram. “The warning was not given that there would be so much water it would enter people’s houses.” https://www.newslaundry.com/2023/08/08/our-lives-are-set-back-25-years-in-himachal-a-village-loses-everything-to-floods-2 (08 Aug. 2023)
Pong gates opened, 59 rescued after Nurpur villages flooded Due to water release from Pong dam, people stuck in two villages in Kangra district. The local administration with the assistance of NDRF teams evacuated 31 residents of Miyani village and 28 of Ghandran village in the Mand area of Indora subdivision in Kangra district this (July 18) morning. As per information, the villagers were marooned after the BBMB released water from the Pong Dam last evening (July 17). The dam water flooded the Beas and the two villages located along the river. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/pong-gates-opened-59-rescued-after-nurpur-villages-flooded-526942 (19 July 2023)
Govt to seek damages from erring power producers CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu criticised the BBMB for “its highly irresponsible behaviour”, which has unleashed misery in the lives of people living downstream of the Pong Dam. Notices could be issued to all such HEPs in the next few days even if it leads to a protracted legal battle. He said, “The state govt is of the firm opinion that these power producers cannot be allowed to go scot-free. They should be made to pay damages and foot the bill of the rescue operations conducted by the IAF and the NDRF, which the state government had to do.”
The failure on the part of a majority of the dams to provide inflow, outflow and gate operation data to the Directorate of Energy, even after the flooding of several villages in Himachal and Punjab, reflects their indifference towards safety norms. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/monsoon-fury-himachal-pradesh-to-seek-damages-from-erring-power-producers-537192 (22 August 2023)
Managing dams Good to see this EDIT in THE TRIBUNE focused on Mismanagement at Bhakra & Pong reservoirs in HP leading to avoidable flood disaster in Punjab. It would have been good if the edit had gone into greater depth/ details & asked for independent investigation. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/editorials/managing-dams-538012 (25 Aug 2023)
Uttarakhand 3 houses washed away after water released from Chirkila dam The heavy water releases from Chirkila Dam caused land erosion occurred at many areas of Dharchula. At one place three houses were submerged in Kali River. Blaming NHPC of negligence, the affected villagers demanded compensation from NHPC. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Shtb47if_Y (12 July 2023)
Telangana: Kaddam Dam Flooded
Kadem dam almost breaches as 4 sluice gates malfunction In the early hours of July 27, the Telangana Irrigation Dept faced a crisis as the Kadem reservoir in Nirmal district came close to breaching its dam due to heavy rainfall in the past 24 hours. The situation was brought under control as the rains subsided later in the afternoon, and repairs are underway to fix the faulty motors that caused the issue. Four out of 18 gates of the dam were affected, resulting in water rising to 700 ft, just below the Full Reservoir Level (FRL) of 700 ft. https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/kadem-dam-almost-breaches-telangana-4-sluice-gates-malfunction-180281 (27 July 2023)
“There were problems in lifting two gates in Kadem project and officials will repair them. While the Kadem project full reservoir level is 700 ft, the project is overflowing at 702 ft. People living in the low-lying areas have been relocated.” Irrigation Sp Chief Secretary Rajat Kumar said on July 27. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/4k-tanks-overflow-flood-woes-escalate/articleshow/102186358.cms (28 July 2023)
Kaddam project gets higher flood than discharge Against the designed discharge capacity of 3.82 lakh cusecs through 18 spillway gates, the flood waters being let out was only around 2.42 lakh cusecs through 14 gates as the project engineers made a vain bid to operate/lift the remaining 4 gates. According to the irrigation authorities gate numbers 2, 4, 6 and 12 were struck and there was no chance of operating them now. However, according to officials the flood reaching the project is estimated at 3.86 lakh cusecs although unofficial reports put it at much higher. With the impact of higher flood reaching the dam, beyond its discharge capacity, the flood water is flowing over the 4 crest gates that were not operational.
According to the irrigation authorities, it was on July 13 2022, the project received a flood of 5.19 lakh cusecs & they were able to discharge over 3 lakh cusecs as one of the 18 crest gates was not operated due to mechanical snag. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/scare-at-kaddam-project-as-it-gets-higher-flood-than-discharge/article67126342.ece (27 July 2023)
Residents lament neglect of Kadam project A technical team comprising 24 members from the Central and State departments inspected the status of the Kadam project. The team had suggested increasing the spillway, addressing cracks in pillars, and had made other recommendations in their report. However, the govt has not taken serious action based on last year’s inspection report, residents point out. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2023/aug/03/residents-lament-neglect-of-kadam-project-2601441.html (3 August 2023)
Polavaram Project Flooded
Heavy floods stall works Attempts by the water resources department to continue the works of Polavaram project’s diaphragm wall even during the Godavari floods proved futile. The works come to a halt with seepage of water and the river witnessing huge inflows from the upstream catchment areas of Polavaram in Eluru district.
The Polavaram project authorities planned to avoid any disruption to the ongoing works at the D-wall so as to expedite the completion of the project and set up the dewatering equipment with high capacity motors and even raised the upper cofferdam height to 44 from 42.5 metres to avoid floodwater’s entry to the work area in case of heavy floods in Godavari. However, as the river started receiving huge inflows, seepage of water started from the cofferdams. “This stalled the works,” officials said. The authorities planned to take up vibro compaction on the filled-up soil in the damaged portions of the D-wall to solidify it and make it firm. They realised that there was no chance of dewatering the work area, given the intensity of the floods.
– Unless the issue of D-wall is addressed by either taking up parallel walls in the four damaged portions of the existing D-wall or by taking up a fresh D-wall for the whole length parallel to the existing D-wall, they cannot go ahead with works on the earth-cum-rock-fill dam, as it has to be a construction on the D-wall. https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/270723/heavy-floods-in-godavari-stall-polavaram-works.html (27 July 2023)
Water released from Bhutan Dams worsen floods in Assam
High alert sounded after Bhutan dams release excess water The flood situation in Lower Assam is likely to worsen after Bhutan released excess water from the Kurichhu Hydropower Plant reservoir in Kuricchu River in Bhutan, as per the reports that emerged on June 18 2023. The Kaladiya River and the Pahumara River in the Barpeta district are flowing above the danger level as a result of the release of excess water. https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/assam-on-high-alert-after-bhutan-releases-excess-dam-water-amidst-flood-havoc-in-state-600495-2023-06-19 (19 June 2023)
The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) on June 20 released a clarification regarding the release of water from Kurichhu dam in Bhutan and its impact on the flood situation in Assam. The disaster agency clarified that the flood situation in western Assam is not solely caused by the water release from the dam but is also a result of continuous rainfall in both the upper catchment area of Bhutan and Assam. https://www.sentinelassam.com/north-east-india-news/assam-news/asdma-clarifies-about-bhutan-dam-water-release-flood-situation-remains-grim-654600 (20 June 2023)
Around 500 families have been evacuated from villages along the Bhutan foothills in Assam as the state went into high alert on July 14 with the release of water from Kurichhu dam. The families were evacuated from villages in Assam’s Baksa and Chirang districts as a precautionary measure.
The Assam govt on July 13 night had directed district administration to be alert after the Bhutan govt communicated that there would be a release of water from the dam. An official order from Bhutan’s National Center for Hydrology & Meteorology stated that Drunk Green Power Corp would begin carrying out reservoir scouring of Kurichhu Hydropower Plant. https://indianexpress.com/article/india/flood-alert-in-assam-as-bhutan-releases-water-from-reservoir-8838334/ (15 July 2023)
Jharkhand Chandil Dam opened, Displaced persons’ localities inundated The opening of the Chandil Dam radial gates resulted in water gushing into the settlements of displaced persons compounding their woes. These displaced settlers are a worried lot. Their worries are not unfounded as they reside in flood-prone, low lying areas ever since their eviction from their land that had been taken over by the project. The water from the Chandil Dam has entered the villages on the dam’s banks, adversely affecting families residing there. The students, particularly those from Ichagarh, are facing difficulties in commuting to school. They are currently resorting to availing boat services to reach the outskirts and dry areas for reaching their institutions. Additionally, those who commute daily for work are also facing problems.
The displaced families residing in the low-lying areas around the Dam’s embankments, while stating their multiple grievances, accused the authorities concerned that it was unlawful to displace them by claiming their land for the project without providing resettlement alternatives and full compensation. They urged the project administration to first compensate the affected families in full and ensure complete resettlement facilities for all before storing water in the dam. Every year, the villages in the low-lying areas were experiencing floods. Due to the lack of complete compensation and resettlement facilities, many displaced families had been forced to continue residing in their old villages. https://avenuemail.in/chandil-dam-radial-gates-opened-displaced-persons-localities-inundated/ (08 Sept. 2023)
Maharashtra Due to water released from the Irai Dam in Chandrapur dist on Jul 29, the residential areas of Pathanpura were inundated. https://news24online.com/cities/mumbai/maharashtra-rain-water-release-from-erai-dam-inundates-residential-area/154567/ (30 July 2023)
Karnataka Almatti violates rule curve Almatti dam reached its FRL of 519.6 m on Aug 16. This is clear violation of the Rule Curve. The first inflows into the reservoir started rather late this year on July 12. Irrigation water releases started on July 27 and can continue till Nov 23. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/almatti-reaches-brim-for-first-time-this-year-2650216 (17 August 2023)
Barrage Induced Floods in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi
Bhimgoda barrage gate damaged after heavy discharge from Srinagar dam A gate of the Bhimgoda Barrage in Haridwar got accidentally damaged during opening as water was released from Srinagar on Sunday (July 16). The district administration has issued an alert in several villages of Khanpur and Laksar regions, which are already facing flooding.
SDO, irrigation dept of Uttar Pradesh, Shivkumar Kaushik said, “A wire of gate number 10 got partially damaged and we are trying to repair it. It will take at least a day to do so. However, there is no problem in releasing water from the dam as other gates are fully functional. Over two lakh cusec water has been released from Srinagar, due to which the water level of Ganga river has risen. Currently, the water level of Ganga is at 293.17 m, which is above the warning level and can touch danger level.” https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/gate-of-bhimgoda-barrage-damaged-alert-issued-in-several-villages-as-water-released/articleshow/101811015.cms (17 July 2023) https://www.amarujala.com/dehradun/uttarakhand-weather-haridwar-bhimgoda-barrage-gate-broken-after-heavy-rainfall-in-hilly-areas-alert-issued-2023-07-16 (16 July 2023)
Gaula barrage floods Haldwani, downstream areas Scores of homes were flooded in Haldwani along the river after discharge of 55000 cusecs of water from Gaula Barrage of Haldwani. The flash flood also affected parts of Purani Mandi, Pulbhatta, Siroli and Satuiya areas of Kichha region. Several homes and shops were flooded damaging the goods. People were forced to spend night on rooftops. More than 250 families were rescued in Kathgodam. https://www.indianazar.com/2023/08/09/heavy-rains-broke-out-in-haldwani-of-nainital-district-hundreds-of-people-were-affected/ (9 August 2023)
Hindi report on impact of floods in parts of Bareilly district UP; after water discharges from Kichha, Kosi, Ramnagar barrages in Uttarakhand. https://www.prabhatkhabar.com/state/uttar-pradesh/bareilly/flood-wreaks-havoc-due-to-release-of-water-from-uttarakhand-ramganga-kichha-caused-devastation-crops-submerged-jay (14 Sept. 2023)
Floods in Kanpur, Unnao after Water Discharge from upstream Barrages
Uttar Pradesh Flood water enters Unnao’s low-lying areas In Unnao’s Shuklaganj adjacent to Kanpur, flood water entered in several localities close to the banks of the river Ganga. “All 30 gates of Kanpur Ganga Barrage have been opened. Nearly, 3.39 lakh cusecs of water is being released from the Barrage. On the other hand, 2.09 lakh cusecs have been released from Narora Dam and 2.10 lakh from Haridwar on Aug. 15”, said an irrigation department official.
At the same time, flood water has also entered the low-lying Chainpurwa in Kanpur causing hardships for inhabitants. Flood water has entered Indira nagar, Shri Nagar, Ravidas Nagar, Manohar nagar, Shakti Nagar of Shuklaganj Unnao. Similarly, flood water entered Karbala, Hussain Nagar, Shahi Nagar, Syed Compound, Champa Purva, Teji Purva, Mansukh Kheda. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kanpur/ganga-rises-again-flood-water-enters-unnaos-low-lying-areas/articleshow/102787502.cms (17 Aug. 2023)
Nearly 70 villages in Kanpur and the neighboring Shuklagunj area of Unnao are reeling under heavy flooding due to the continuous and substantial release of water from Narora and Haridwar, causing the Ganga River to swell. Extensive swathes of agricultural land spanning 22 villages near the Ganga Barrage in Kanpur, along with 50 villages in and around Shuklagunj, are submerged. This dire situation has rekindled distressing memories of the 2010 Kanpur. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/kanpur-floods-devastate-70-villages-ganga-river-swells-locals-seek-refuge-crops-decimated-aid-distributed-101693074210306.html (26 Aug 2023)
The release of water from Narora and Haridwar has sent the Ganga water level above the danger mark, inundating villages and houses in Katri and Shuklagunj in Unnao. At Ganga Barrage, the gushing water was eroding the banks fast, following which the Kanpur administration prohibited any river activity such as boating and bathing near the ghat. According to the irrigation dept, 1.44 lakh cusecs of water from Narora and 1.14 lakh cusecs from Haridwar has been released on July 27 morning, and as this water reaches Kanpur in four to five days the Ganga would rise further. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/ganga-water-level-above-danger-mark-inundates-villages-in-kanpur-unnao-evacuation-alert-issued-101690484496322.html (28 Jul 2023)
On July 21, there was a flood like situation in Champa Purwa village of the Katri where water has reached most of the low-lying areas. The steps of almost all the prominent ghats of Kanpur have submerged. Similarly, the Ganga crossed the warning point of 112.01 m in Shuklaganj, Unnao. On July 21 morning, 80,688 cusecs of water had been released from Haridwar and 2.25 lakh cusecs from Narora. In the coming week, the situation may worsen due to floods, particularly in low-lying areas of Ganga. According to the authorities, all 30 gates of the Ganga barrage have been opened to maintain the level of 113 m. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kanpur/rise-in-ganga-level-at-barrage-due-to-heavy-rain-in-hill-areas/articleshow/102029251.cms (22 Jul 2023); https://www.bhaskar.com/local/uttar-pradesh/unnao/news/due-to-the-start-of-harvesting-the-agricultural-land-of-the-farmers-also-got-absorbed-in-the-ganges-131468525.html (30 Jun 2023)
4 hatchlings of endangered bird washed away in Bijnor Four Indian Skimmer hatchlings, born on a sand patch in Madhya Ganga barrage in Bijnor, have been washed away over the past couple of days, after an increased discharge of water into the dam, said conservationists who were observing the endangered bird. Six Indian Skimmer eggs laid on the same sandbar — a partially exposed ridge of sand in a water body —were washed away earlier this month after supply into the barrage was turned up. This is the third time the rare bird’s hatchlings or eggs have been washed away from the barrage in two months. A current swept away 20 eggs in May.
The hatchlings would have taken flight in just around 10 days, the birds could have been saved had authorities cut off the flow of water into the barrage and held it at the upstream Haiderpur wetland.“We observed that the irrigation department discharged more water than it usually does. This submerged the sandbar completely,” said Ashish Loya, who leads the nest guardian project at Wildlife Trust of India. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/tragic-loss-endangered-indian-skimmer-hatchlings-washed-away-due-to-increased-water-discharge-in-up-barrage-101688064578122.html (30 June 2023); https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/six-indian-skimmer-eggs-washed-away-from-barrage-in-bijnor-four-hatchlings-at-risk-of-submersion-conservationists-warn-101686939893464.html (16 June 2023)
Delhi: Jammed gates of ITO barrage worsen flooding
3 ITO Barrage gates mired in silt Many contradictions in statements made by officials, sources quoted regarding reason behind jamming of 5 gates of ITO barrage, maintenance issue and its contribution in July 2023 floods. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/ito-barrage-woes-3-gates-mired-in-silt-work-underway-with-navy-diving-team-on-standby-after-recent-floods-in-capital-8864259/ (28 July 2023) Out of 32 gates of ITO barrage in Delhi, five could not be opened during peak flood. By now two of those five have been opened, rest three are still stuck. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/delhi-flood-two-of-five-jammed-gates-of-ito-barrage-opened-so-far/articleshow/101854728.cms (July 2023)
Delhi Water Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on July 13 said that five gates at the ITO barrage are disrupting the flow of the Yamuna water. During an inspection of the barrage near the Delhi Secretariat, Bharadwaj said five of the 32 gates are jammed due to silt accumulation, hindering the quick drainage of river water. “We are actively working to open these gates. A compressor has been brought from the Kondli plant to remove the silt surrounding the gates. If the gates fail to open, gas cutters will be used,” he said. https://www.outlookindia.com/national/five-gates-at-ito-barrage-obstructing-yamuna-s-flow-says-delhi-minister-saurabh-bharadwaj-news-302696 (13 July 2023)
Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar on July 15 ordered constitution of a two-member high-level fact-finding technical committee to check whether five gates of Delhi’s ITO barrage were jammed or not. The move comes in the backdrop of claims made by Delhi govt that five gates at the ITO barrage managed by the Haryana govt were jammed and restricted the flow of water, thus causing flooding. The 32 gates at the ITO barrage are under the control of Haryana irrigation dept. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/cm-khattar-orders-committee-to-investigate-ito-barrage-gate-jam-seeks-truth-about-haryana-s-role-in-delhi-flooding-101689439307969.html (15 July 2023)
Delhi was flooded after swollen Yamuna broke the regulator of a nallah near the WHO Building on Ring Road near the ITO traffic signal. The Indian Army’s assistance was requisitioned by Delhi administration. During early hours of July 14, a team of the Army engineers was deployed near WHO Building. The regulator door was damaged due to the surge of water from the Yamuna. The Army constructed a temporary bandh to divert the water back to the river. The backflow of water into the city was controlled. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/delhi/how-army-cut-open-gates-of-barrage-under-ito-bridge-526095 (16 July 2023)
Some information on ITO barrage gates controversy The ITO Barrage was constructed in 1966 with a capacity of 3 lakh cusecs. The barrage was constructed to provide water to the Rajghat Thermal Plant and the Indraprastha Power Generation Company. In return, they paid for the maintenance of the barrage to the Haryana government. However, in 2019, due to both the power-plants shutting down, the Delhi govt stopped paying the maintenance money to Haryana. https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/illegal-nursery-blocking-yamuna-flow-ito-barrage-haryana-notified-delhi-in-2014-2408373-2023-07-18; https://theprint.in/india/ito-barrage-row-delhi-govt-says-haryana-govt-apprised-of-issue-in-past/1674091/ (18 July 2023)
Compiled by Bhim Singh Rawat (bhim.sandrp@gmail.com)
SANDRP 