A proposed 55-megawatt multipurpose hydropower project on the Kulsi river, situated near Ukiam along the Assam-Meghalaya border, has recently stirred fresh opposition. Local organisations and environmental advocates have voiced serious apprehension regarding the project's potential adverse effects on the river's delicate ecosystem, including the habitat of river dolphins, and the disruption of traditional, river-dependent livelihoods such as sand-related activities.
The ambitious Kulsi project, which includes plans for a 60-foot-high dam, aims to generate 55 MW of electricity. Beyond power generation, the initiative is also envisioned to provide irrigation for approximately 26,000 hectares of agricultural land and offer a measure of protection against flash floods in the region. The estimated cost for this extensive undertaking is Rs 1,454.95 crore.
The project's footprint extends across the Kamrup district in Assam and the Ri-Bhoi and West Khasi Hills districts of Meghalaya. Opponents argue that constructing the proposed dam and subsequently altering the Kulsi river's natural flow could irreversibly damage aquatic life and undermine the economic stability of numerous communities reliant on the river's resources. The Kulsi river is recognized as a vital regional water system, supporting a diverse range of aquatic species and sustaining the livelihoods of several communities along its banks. Concerns specifically highlight the risk to the river dolphin population and the impact on local populations whose livelihoods are intricately linked to the river's natural state.
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