Floodwaters wreaked havoc in Assam’s Golaghat district after heavy rainfall in Nagaland, coupled with the release of water from the Doyang Hydro Electric Project operated by NEEPCO (North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited), inundated at least 56 villages. Official figures released by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) confirm that 4,548 people have been affected, while locals allege they received no prior warning before the sudden discharge of dam water.
The rising waters of the Dhansiri River and its tributaries submerged homes, croplands, and roads, leaving thousands scrambling for safety. Many families have taken shelter on higher ground, while livestock and standing paddy fields remain under floodwaters, raising fears of long-term damage to livelihoods.
This is not the first time Golaghat has faced such a crisis. Past years have witnessed similar flooding linked to sudden water releases from upstream dams in Nagaland, sparking questions about coordination between NEEPCO and the Assam government. Local residents and activists have demanded a clear Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for dam water discharge, stressing that lack of timely communication puts downstream communities at severe risk.
Disaster response teams have been deployed, and district officials said relief operations are underway, including the distribution of essential supplies. However, villagers continue to express anger at what they describe as “avoidable suffering,” blaming both NEEPCO and authorities for failing to safeguard people’s lives and property.
With the monsoon still active in the region, concerns remain high over further water release and the possibility of fresh inundation in low-lying areas.
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