Opposition to Assam-Meghalaya Kulsi Hydropower Project:

26 Jun 2025 GS 1 Geography
    Live Views: Loading...

  • Project Overview:

    • A 55-MW hydropower and irrigation project is proposed jointly by the Assam and Meghalaya governments on the Kulsi River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra.

    • Site: Ukiam, near the Assam-Meghalaya border, in Kamrup district, ~40 km from Guwahati.

  • Key Concerns Raised:

    • Environmental impact: Kulsi is a habitat of the endangered Gangetic river dolphin.

    • Livelihoods at risk: Farmers and fishermen depend on the river; dam would harm agriculture and fishing.

    • Hydrological disruption: Seasonal drying and flooding risks from dam water release.

    • Impact on wetlands: At least 12 wetlands, including Chandubi Lake (a major tectonic lake), would be affected.

    • Displacement concerns: Local villagers have applied for land rights under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, but lack land documents—making them ineligible for compensation.

Kulsi River (Assam-Meghalaya):

  • Geographical Details:

    • Origin: West Khasi Hills, Meghalaya (known as Khir River in origin stretch).

    • Flows through: Kamrup district, Assam.

    • Mouth: Joins the Brahmaputra River at Nagarbera, Kamrup district.

    • Total stretch includes 12 km in Meghalaya, rest in Assam.

  • Ecological Significance:

    • Kulsi River is a critical habitat of the endangered South Asian river dolphin (Platanista gangetica), locally called Xihu in Assamese.

    • It is one of only two rivers in the Brahmaputra delta (along with Subansiri) where the dolphins breed.

  • Environmental Threats:

    • Sand mining and development activities have severely impacted dolphin populations.

    • Numbers of these endangered dolphins in Kulsi are sharply declining.


Chandubi Lake:

  • A natural lake in Kamrup district, Assam, nestled at the foot of the Garo Hills, ~64 km from Guwahati .

  • Formed on 12 June 1897 during a powerful earthquake; five hills reputedly sank to create the lake—hence the name: ‘Chand’ (five) + ‘Dubi’ (sinking) in Khasi.

  • Chandubi Festival, held in early January by the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council, offers local folk performances, handicraft stalls, traditional games, and regional cuisine




← Back to list