Guwahati, Oct 20 (IANS) Central Water Commission (CWC) officials are closely monitoring the water levels in the Brahmaputra and Siang following fears about sudden bursting of an artificial lake formed by a landslide on the Tibetan side a few days ago.
China has informed India that the landslide has blocked the Milin Section of the mainstream of the Yarlung Zangbo river in Tibet. The river is known as Siang and Brahmaputra in India.
The blocking of the main stream of the Yarlung Zangbo triggered apprehension that the downstream areas of the river in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh might see a sudden spurt in water levels.
Although the water level of the Siang showed an increase at Tuting in Arunachal Pradesh on Friday night, the water level showed a decreasing trend on Saturday.
"There is no substantial increase in the water level of Siang and Brahmaputra rivers in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. However, we are closely monitoring the situation as flow of water might take some more time to reach Tuting," said a senior official of the CWC based in Dibrugarh district of Assam.
Dibrugarh houses the Upper Brahmaputra division of the CWC, which monitors the developments that takes place in Arunachal Pradesh and further upstream.
"Last night we recorded the water level at 418.65 meters at Tuting. Today it has decreased to 406.50 meters there, which is normal. The Brahmaputra level is normal so far," said a senior CWC official.
Meanwhile, the Inland Water Transport (IWT) department in Assam has suspended the ferry service in Dibrugarh district following the inputs and advisory from the Chinese government.
"We have suspended the ferry service in Dibrugarh as Dibrugarh is the first point for the waters to enter Brahmaputra river. There is no report of any significant increase in the water level. However, as a precautionary measure, we have suspended the ferry service in the district," said Bharat Bhushan Choudhury, Director of the IWT, Assam.
Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday night said NDRF companies have already reached the state and are being deployed in sensitive districts. He has also asked the disaster management authorities in Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Lakhimpur and Tinsukia districts to remain alert for flash flood-like situation.
The Arunachal Pradesh government had also instructed and alerted all the districts located near Siang which might be affected due to the water flow of the river in the near future.
The government has asked the people not to venture out in the Siang for the next 48 hours time.
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