Dhauliganga dam opening alert: precautions urged as Indian officials plan release

July 10, Kathmandu: The Dhauliganga Hydropower Project in Uttarakhand, India, is set to open its dam on Tuesday, prompting local authorities to issue a cautionary message to residents.

NHPC Limited and Dhauliganga Power Station notified the District Administration Office in Baitadi that the dam will be opened from 5:00 am to 8:00 pm on Tuesday.

Suresh Panthi, Chief District Officer of Baitadi, emphasized the importance of vigilance among those residing in the catchment areas of the Mahakali River, as water levels are expected to rise during and after the dam’s opening.

The dam is being opened to facilitate cleaning activities due to the increased water levels during the monsoon season.

With the potential for flooding, individuals living along the riverbanks have been advised to seek safe locations until the situation stabilizes.

Furthermore, residents in Darchula, Baitadi, Dadeldhura, and Kanchanpur districts have been specifically cautioned against visiting the riverside during this period.

It is worth noting that Indian officials open the dam during the monsoon season every year.

Tragically, in 2013, the opening of the Dhauliganga dam resulted in significant damage to property, with billions of rupees lost and over 100 houses submerged in the district headquarters of Darchula.

Local authorities are urging residents to exercise caution and follow the safety guidelines to mitigate potential risks associated with the release of water from the Dhauliganga dam.