Opposition Rises Against Joint Hydropower Project on Assam-Meghalaya Border
What happened
The governments of Assam and Meghalaya are pursuing a 55-megawatt hydropower-cum-irrigation project on the Kulsi River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra. The project, announced in June 2025, is located on the border of the two states, near Guwahati. More than 2,000 people from indigenous communities gathered to renew their opposition to the plan, which is located in a natural habitat of the endangered Gangetic dolphin. Traditional chiefs in Meghalaya also stated they would not grant consent for the project.
From thehindu.com
Why it matters
The proposed project is situated in a disputed border sector, complicating the joint initiative between Assam and Meghalaya. The organized opposition, led by the Assam-Meghalaya Joint Protection Committee, challenges the viability of the state-led infrastructure plan. The project's ecological implications also raise concerns regarding the environment.
From thehindu.com
Who's involved
- AssamState government involved in the joint hydropower project.
- MeghalayaState government involved in the joint hydropower project.
- Meghalaya Power Generation Corporation LimitedCorporation potentially involved in the power generation aspect of the project.
- Government of AssamState government of Assam involved in the joint hydropower project.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- Meghalaya Power Generation Corporation LimitedSpeculative
The project's opposition might affect the corporation's funding scope and power generation capacity.
Possible ripples
Who this could reach next, traced step by step from the reporting. Possibilities worth considering, not forecasts.- Kamrup district may face social and ecological implications from joint damKamrup Metropolitan district faces significant ecological and social implications from joint hydropower projectAlready happening
- NGT may review joint hydropower project's ecological risksNGT may review joint hydropower project due to ecological risks to endangered dolphinLikely
- Opposition to Kulsi hydropower project may affect Meghalaya Power Generation Corporation LimitedProject delays or cancellation may impact Meghalaya Power Generation Corporation Limited's capacity.Possible
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The entities involved
Related events
- Assam residents worked on a hydropower project in Nepal.
- The Central Pollution Control Board identified 44 polluted rivers in Assam, noting that the pollution impact could extend to Guwahati.
- Himanta Biswa Sarma led a service campaign across the state of Assam.
- Spice testing moves from Kolkata to Guwahati.
- The city of Guwahati is currently facing severe environmental and infrastructure strain.