The Assam government on Thursday, 6 August formally dismissed viral social media claims alleging that the deteriorating flood situation in the state was caused by the opening of dam gates in Bhutan, calling the reports baseless and factually incorrect. Chief Secretary Ravi Kota issued an official clarification stating that the widely circulated advisory titled 'Bhutan River: 3 Gates Opened' had no factual basis and was directly contradicted by information provided by Bhutan's Hydrology Department.

What Triggered the Misinformation

The viral advisory, which spread rapidly across social media platforms, claimed that Bhutan had opened three river gates, causing downstream flooding in Assam. State officials moved swiftly to counter the narrative, emphasising that the claim was unsupported by any official hydrological data or communication from Bhutanese authorities.

According to the clarification, the recent surge in river discharge levels is attributable to heavy rainfall in upstream catchment areas — not any emergency or unannounced release of water from dams across the border.

What Bhutan's Authorities Actually Said

Bhutanese officials clarified that the Kurichhu Hydropower Plant had conducted a scheduled reservoir-flushing exercise on 21 July as part of routine maintenance operations. The exercise was carried out under established protocols and, according to both governments, bore no connection to the current rise in river levels.

Bhutanese authorities further confirmed that no emergency discharge of water is presently underway. They reiterated that all major dam operations follow standard operating protocols, with downstream stakeholders — including Assam — notified through official channels well in advance of any significant release.

Assam-Bhutan Coordination on Flood Data

Chief Secretary Kota said flood control authorities on both sides maintain constant coordination, with real-time exchanges covering rainfall patterns, river water levels, and any developments that could affect downstream regions. Officials said this coordination has been further strengthened in light of the current situation.

Notably, this is not the first time misinformation about upstream dam releases has circulated during Assam's annual flood season. The state's river systems — fed by both the Eastern Himalayas and the hills of Bhutan — are inherently vulnerable to heavy monsoon precipitation, making them fertile ground for rumours during crisis periods.

Flood Situation on the Ground

The clarification comes even as Assam continues to grapple with flooding across several districts, with swollen rivers inundating low-lying areas and displacing thousands of residents. Officials said the situation is being actively monitored and that hydrological information sharing with Bhutanese agencies is being prioritised.

The government urged citizens to rely exclusively on official advisories issued by state authorities and to avoid spreading unverified social media posts related to flood developments. As the monsoon season progresses, authorities say continued vigilance and cross-border coordination will be critical to managing downstream flood risk.