GUWAHATI, Dec 18 � The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) may carry out necessary protection works in the portion of 15 km in the downstream of the dam site. Locations and details for it are to be worked out by the power company, Brahmaputra Board and the Assam Water Resources Department (WRD).
This was the view offered by the Joint Steering Committee (JSC) set up to examine the part-II of the Assam experts� recommendations on the Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Power Project (LSHEP).
It is also of the view that suitable raising and protection of embankment beyond 15 km downstream may be taken up by the Assam Government agencies like the WRD.
It has further suggested that the NHPC is to monitor the geo-morphological changes of the Subansiri River with the help of the National Remote Sensing Centre or the North Eastern Space Application Centre for sustainability of the protection measures.
It said fish hatchery should be constructed in association with Assam State Fisheries Department as suggested by the Central Inland Fishery Research Institute with budgetary support by NHPC.
The NHPC should work out proper means for social awareness and mass awakening for confidence building and it should create effective disaster management cell in association with the State Disaster Management Authority and in close coordination with local administration.
Provision of Rs 50 crore be earmarked initially by NHPC for flood protection and erosion control measures in 15 km from the dam site in the downstream areas. Further fund may be allocated by the NHPC if needed, said the JSC.
It has said that for downstream riparian rights, sustainable biodiversity and to mitigate water fluctuations in the downstream during the dry (�non-monsoon�) season, it is recommended to release water in the range of 225 to 250 cubic metres per second (cumecs) by continuously operating one turbine.
It, however, does not see any need of constructing regulation pond in the downstream of LSHEP dam for maintaining minimum discharge in the downstream areas, if one unit of the power station is allowed to run continuously for 24 hours.
