The proposed 55 Megawatt Kulsi Multipurpose Hydropower Project on the Kulsi River along the Assam–Meghalaya border has sparked protests over its possible impact on the Gangetic River Dolphin, river ecology, and the livelihoods of local communities.

Key Highlights

• The project proposes the construction of a 60-foot-high dam near Ukiam across the Kulsi River with an estimated cost of ₹1,454.95 crore.
• The project is being implemented by the Assam Power Generation Corporation Limited (APGCL) after the Brahmaputra Board, under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, prepared and handed over the Detailed Project Report (DPR).
• The project aims to generate 55 Megawatts of hydropower, provide irrigation to about 26,000 hectares of farmland, and help reduce flash floods.
• The project area covers Kamrup district (Assam) and Ri-Bhoi and West Khasi Hills districts (Meghalaya).

Why are Environmental Concerns Being Raised?

• The Kulsi River is one of the important habitats of the endangered Gangetic River Dolphin, India’s National Aquatic Animal.
• Construction of a dam may alter the river’s natural flow, sediment movement and water depth, affecting dolphin breeding, feeding and migration.
• Local communities fear that river-dependent livelihoods, including traditional sand extraction, fishing and agriculture, may be adversely affected.
• Several organisations from Assam and Meghalaya, including Rabha, Garo, Bodo and Khasi communities, have opposed the project and demanded wider public consultation.

About the Gangetic River Dolphin

• Scientific Name: Platanista gangetica
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN: Endangered
  • Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES): Appendix I
  • Convention on Migratory Species (CMS): Appendix I
  • Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I (highest legal protection)

Government Frameworks and Initiatives

• Project Dolphin was launched on 15 August 2020 under the Development of Wildlife Habitats scheme by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
  • The project aims to conserve riverine and marine dolphins through scientific research, habitat protection, and community participation.
• Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Wildlife Sanctuary, Bihar is India’s only dedicated dolphin sanctuary.
  • It is located along the Ganga River in Bhagalpur district.
• The Gangetic river dolphin was declared India’s National Aquatic Animal on 5 October 2009.
  • The day is observed as National Ganga River Dolphin Day.
• India’s first National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC) was inaugurated in Patna, Bihar.

About Kulsi River 

• The Kulsi River is a south bank tributary of the Brahmaputra River.
• It originates in the West Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, where it is composed of three rivers namely Khri,Krishniya and Umsiri.
• After flowing around 12 kilometres in Meghalaya, it enters Assam’s Kamrup district and is called Kulsi.
• It is about 60 km long and has an average width of 70 to 80 meters.
• It is one of natural habitat and nesting site for the Gangetic river dolphin
• The river meets the Brahmaputra at Nagarbera.
• Kulsi is ecologically sensitive and supports:
  • Fisheries
  • Agriculture
  • River-dependent livelihoods

Exam Hook – Prelims Question

With reference to the Gangetic River Dolphin, consider the following statements:

1. It is India’s National Aquatic Animal.
2. It is listed as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
3. It receives the highest protection under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 3 only

Answer: (c)

One-line Wrap

The proposed Kulsi Hydropower Project highlights the challenge of balancing renewable energy development with biodiversity conservation and the protection of river-dependent livelihoods.