Residents Protest Against Proposed Kulsi River Hydroelectric Dam

Residents along the Assam-Meghalaya border are voicing strong opposition to a proposed hydroelectric dam on the Kulsi River. Organized by the Assam and Meghalaya Joint Resistance Committee, a recent meeting highlighted the potential ecological and socio-economic threats posed by the project. Activists are calling for unity and increased awareness campaigns, particularly among women and youth, to strengthen their resistance. Despite ongoing protests, local leaders have yet to engage with the community, leaving residents frustrated. The movement aims to compel government officials to reconsider the dam's implications for local livelihoods and the environment.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 29, 2025, 12:16 IST

Community Resistance Against Hydroelectric Project

Palasbari, June 29: Residents living near the Assam-Meghalaya border are actively protesting the planned hydroelectric dam on the Kulsi River, a collaborative project initiated by Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Meghalaya's Chief Minister Conrad Sangma.

In a show of solidarity, the Assam and Meghalaya Joint Resistance Committee convened a meeting at the community hall in Ukiam on Friday. Social activist Rajani Boro led the session, where Maniram Rabha, the committee's Assam unit secretary, outlined the meeting's objectives, stressing the potential dangers the dam could bring to the area. He also shared plans for future awareness initiatives and protest actions, stating, “The Kulsi dam could inflict irreversible harm on our region. We need to bolster our resistance and educate the public.”

During the gathering, Nandalal Rabha called for unity, asserting, “We must fortify this committee. A strong and coordinated effort is essential to persuade the government to abandon this project. Our emphasis should be on grassroots organizations rather than political parties.”

Albert Nonglai, president of the Meghalaya unit, announced their intention to present a memorandum to Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, requesting the immediate cancellation of the dam project. He indicated that the memorandum would address the potential ecological and socio-economic repercussions of the dam.

Chairperson Rajani Boro voiced serious concerns regarding the dam's threat to local livelihoods, particularly for farmers, fishermen, and small business owners. She also highlighted the environmental risks, referencing the area's seismic vulnerability and its closeness to the historic Chandubi Lake, which was created by the earthquake of 1897.

Other attendees included Kaifa Rabha, Biswajit Rabha, Jagdish Rabha, Grateful Sonhom, Kumar Marak, Thiodas Marak, among others. The committee agreed to escalate their protests through grassroots awareness campaigns, with a focus on engaging women and youth.

Despite numerous public meetings and awareness efforts that have underscored the dam's risks, local residents expressed frustration that elected officials, including Chhaygaon MLA Rekibuddin Ahmed, RHAC Executive Member Tonkeswar Rabha, and Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, have yet to visit the area.