More than 15 villages across Numaligarh in Assam's Golaghat district are currently inundated, compelling numerous residents to abandon their homes. The flooding, which has severely impacted areas including Roudwar, Baurigaon, Parghat, Dhodang, Napathar, Pongka, Gandhir Gaon, and Borchapori, is attributed to a substantial discharge of water from the Doyang Hydroelectric Project, operated by the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) in neighbouring Nagaland.
Reports indicate that NEEPCO authorities initiated the water release from the Doyang reservoir to mitigate excessive pressure and ensure the structural safety of the project. This controlled discharge, however, led to an alarming surge in the water levels of both the Dhansiri and Doyang rivers. By Thursday afternoon, the Dhansiri river at Numaligarh was observed to be flowing a full metre above its designated danger mark, triggering widespread submergence across low-lying areas.
The fresh wave of flooding has created critical conditions for local communities. In No. 1 Parghat village alone, approximately 30 families have seen their residences completely submerged. Many of these affected households have been forced to seek refuge in temporary shelters, with some finding solace at a nearby brick kiln. With numerous roads now impassable, boats have become the sole mode of transportation, highlighting the severity of the situation. This marks the second instance within the current month of Shravan that No. 1 Parghat village has been swamped by floodwaters, underscoring the recurring challenges faced by its inhabitants.
As water levels remain elevated, residents continue to navigate treacherous conditions, relying on emergency measures and community support to cope with the ongoing crisis. Local authorities are monitoring the situation closely, though immediate relief and rehabilitation remain a pressing concern for those displaced.