Why in News?
The Kupli River has been in the news following the release of water from the Khandong Dam at Umrangso, Assam, due to continuous heavy rainfall and rising reservoir levels. The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), West Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, issued an advisory urging residents living along the riverbanks and downstream areas to remain alert and avoid low-lying areas.
About Kupli River
- The Kupli River flows through parts of Assam and Meghalaya.
- It is an important river system in the northeastern region and is associated with hydroelectric projects in the Kopili basin.
- The river receives water released from the Khandong Dam, a component of the hydroelectric infrastructure located at Umrangso in Assam.
Significance
- Highlights the importance of dam safety and reservoir management.
- Demonstrates the role of early warning systems and disaster preparedness in flood-prone areas.
- Underlines the need for inter-state coordination between Assam and Meghalaya in managing river systems and disaster risks.
About Khandong Dam
The Khandong Dam is a hydroelectric project on the Kopili River. It is a critical infrastructure spanning the Assam-Meghalaya border, situated near Umrangso in the Dima Hasao district of Assam and West Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya. It was commissioned in 1984 under the Kopili Hydro Electric Project managed by NEEPCO.
Key Details & Functionality
Purpose: Water from the reservoir is fed to the Khandong power station, generating up to 50 MW of electricity (using 2 × 25 MW Francis turbines)
River & Basin: The dam impounds the Kopili River, creating the Kopili reservoir.
Geography: The Kopili river acts as a geographical boundary between Assam and Meghalaya in this region, causing the reservoir to partially fall into Meghalaya territory.
Related Institution
District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA)
- Constituted under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
- Responsible for disaster preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery at the district level.
- Functions under the chairmanship of the District Collector/Deputy Commissioner.
Prelims Facts
- Khandong Dam is located at Umrangso in Assam.
- The dam is part of the Kopili Hydro Electric Project.
- DDMAs are statutory bodies established under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
Practice Questions
Q1. The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) is constituted under:
(a) Environment Protection Act, 1986
(b) Disaster Management Act, 2005
(c) Water Act, 1974
(d) National Green Tribunal Act, 2010
Answer: (b)
Q2. The Kupli River was recently in the news due to:
(a) Inland water transport development
(b) Discovery of a new wetland
(c) Release of water from Khandong Dam following heavy rainfall
(d) Construction of a major bridge
Answer: (c)
Q.3 Khandong Dam, recently seen in the news due to the release of excess reservoir water, is located in which of the following states?
(a) Meghalaya
(b) Nagaland
(c) Assam
(d) Arunachal Pradesh
Answer: (c) Assam
Explanation: Khandong Dam is located at Umrangso in Assam and forms part of the Kopili Hydro Electric Project operated in the Kopili River basin.
Q. 4 Khandong dam is located in which of the following rivers?
(a) Digaru
(b) Kupila
(c) Myntdu
(d) Bramaputra
Answer: Kupila