Concerns Rise Over Proposed Hydroelectric Dam on Kulsi River

Introduction to the Controversy
Ukiam, June 22: The Assam government has made a controversial announcement regarding the construction of a 55-megawatt hydroelectric dam at the source of the Kulsi river in the scenic Ukiam region of Meghalaya. This decision has ignited protests from local communities in both Assam and Meghalaya, who have come together to express their disapproval.
The Kulsi River's Origins
The Kulsi river, a significant waterway in South Kamrup, begins in the hilly areas of Meghalaya. It is formed by the merging of three streams: Ghagua, Sree, and Dron, which descend from various parts of the Khasi Hills. These streams converge near the Assam-Meghalaya border at Ukiam, where the river flows through several villages, including Ranikhamar, Baroigaon, Langkhar, Bherbheri, Bangalibila, and Kulsi Gaon, before reaching Chaygaon and eventually joining the Brahmaputra.
Details of the Streams
The Ghagua stream is composed of three smaller rivers: Ka-Khring, Dalma, and Ghoga Chandni, which originate from the East and West Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi districts. The Sree stream has two branches, Sree and Mri (also known as Um-it in Khasi). In the Garo language, 'Sree' translates to fast-flowing stream, aptly named for its vigorous current during the monsoon season. Locals distinguish between the clear waters of Sree and the muddier waters of Mri, referring to them as 'clean water' and 'muddy water'. These two streams merge at Sarupani to form the Sree.
The Dron Stream
The Dron stream originates from the Nondrum Hills in the western part of West Khasi Hills, flowing through Lampi and Kompatali into Assam. The name 'Dron' has evolved from its original source name, undergoing several local variations.
Confluence and Historical Significance
The confluence of Ghagua, Sree, and Dron occurs near Rajabala, a village inhabited by the Khasi community, close to Ukiam Bazaar. A prominent boulder known as Makodubi marks this junction, from which the river is recognized as the Kulsi.
Historically, the British referred to this beautiful region as 'Cool-C', which eventually transformed into 'Kulsi'. Some indigenous communities have called it Kolahi, drawing a comparison between the river's rushing monsoon waters and water poured from a traditional earthen pot (koloh). In earlier times, it was also known as Neela Nadi due to its deep blue waters during the dry season.
Ecological Connections
The Kulsi river is closely linked to the renowned Chandubi Lake, a natural wetland of both ecological and historical importance. They are connected by a natural waterway called Lokeyadare, which allows overflow from Chandubi to drain into the Kulsi, or conversely, to replenish the lake during dry spells, thus maintaining ecological balance.
River Branching and Historical Context
Near the Kulsi village market, the river splits into two branches: one flowing towards Chaygaon (referred to as the main or old Kolahi) and the other towards Kukurmara (known as the new Kolahi or Kulsi). This latter branch passes through villages like Nalbari, Ghoramara, and Kukurmara before merging with the Brahmaputra.
Local oral traditions suggest that the Kulsi-Kukurmara channel was not entirely a natural river. It is believed to have originally been a man-made canal designed to divert water from the Kulsi for agricultural irrigation. Initially, it was a narrow trench, approximately 10-12 feet wide, but over time, natural water flow has expanded it into a full-fledged river. However, no written records currently exist to substantiate this claim, highlighting the need for further academic and geological studies.
Conservation Concerns
Importantly, the Kulsi-Kukurmara stretch is recognized as a vital habitat for the endangered South Asian river dolphin (Platanista gangetica), a species of global conservation concern. This area has become a significant breeding and migratory zone for these freshwater dolphins.
With the proposed hydropower dam threatening the river's natural flow, biodiversity, and cultural heritage, environmentalists and indigenous groups are warning of potentially irreversible impacts. Activists are calling on the government to reconsider the project and conduct thorough environmental and cultural impact assessments.
Conclusion
Abhijit Kalita