India's Ministry of Power is closely monitoring the aftermath of flash floods in the Teesta Basin of Sikkim, which have significantly affected central hydro power projects in the region. An emergency meeting held on Wednesday included Shri Pankaj Agrawal, Secretary (Power), along with senior officials from the Ministry of Power and the Central Electricity Authority, who discussed the situation with the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC).
The flash floods, occurring on the night of October 3rd and 4th, 2023, resulted in the submersion and destruction of all bridges downstream of the Teesta-V Hydropower Station up to Tarkhola/Pamphok. This has had a severe impact on transportation and communication in the affected areas. The floodwater overtopped the dam of the Teesta V Power Station, leading to its shutdown and the evacuation of NHPC's workforce on all projects. Tragically, one casualty was reported from the Teesta V power station.
The ongoing construction of the Teesta VI hydro project, with a capacity of 500MW, has also been disrupted by the flooding. The floodwaters infiltrated the powerhouse and transformer cavern, while key bridges connecting the right and left banks of the barrage and the Power House were washed out. Two crane operators working on the project site are currently missing.
While the Teesta Low Dam – III Hydropower Plant (TLDP-III) and TLDP-IV, located downstream in West Bengal, did not suffer major damage, they remain shut down due to heavy siltation brought by the floodwaters. NHPC is working to restart electricity generation at both of these projects in the coming days. Fortunately, no damage has been reported in the Rangit valley, where NHPC's Rangit IV power project and Rangit Power Station are situated.
A detailed assessment of the extent of damage at all project sites will be carried out once the water levels recede. NHPC, in collaboration with the state government, disaster management authorities, and the district administration, is making every possible effort to maintain the supply of essential commodities such as food, medicine, and electricity to the affected regions.
The Central Government has committed to conducting a thorough evaluation of the damage to these vital hydropower projects as the floodwaters recede. NHPC said it is working tirelessly to expedite the restoration of these projects, ensuring that they are operational at the earliest opportunity.
