A protest meeting at Ukiam in Kamrup district opposed the proposed Kulsi River hydroelectric dam, citing environmental damage and displacement of indigenous communities along the Assam–Meghalaya border.

About the proposed Kulsi River Dam

• The Assam government has proposed a 55 megawatt hydroelectric project by damming the Kulsi River at Ukiam.
• The project is aimed at boosting renewable energy generation as well as  address the issue of urban floods in Guwahati jointly.
• Local residents and civil society groups argue that the project threatens:
  • Livelihoods of indigenous and tribal communities
  • River ecology and biodiversity
  • Human settlements across at least 25 villages

Why the Kulsi River is important

• The Kulsi River is a south bank tributary of the Brahmaputra River.
• It originates in the West Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, where it is known as the Khir River.
• 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

Key concerns raised by protesters

• Lack of public consultation with affected villages.
• Possible displacement of Rabha and other indigenous communities.
• Fear of environmental destruction in the name of development.
• Concerns that benefits may flow to corporate interests, while costs are borne by locals.
• Opposition from both Assam and Meghalaya residents, highlighting an inter-state dimension.

Environmental and governance angle

• Large dams often raise issues related to:
  • Alteration of river flow
  • Loss of forest and agricultural land
  • Impact on downstream ecology
• The protest underscores the need for:
  • Environmental Impact Assessment
  • Social Impact Assessment
  • Free, prior and informed consent of local communities

Why this matters for exams

• The issue links energy security with environmental protection and tribal rights.
• Illustrates challenges of river-based infrastructure projects in ecologically fragile zones.
• Relevant for questions on sustainable development and federal cooperation.

Exam Hook

Prelims – Statement-based Question

Q. With reference to the Kulsi River, consider the following statements:

1. The Kulsi River originates in the West Khasi Hills of Meghalaya and is known as the Khir River in its upper course.
2. It is a tributary of the Brahmaputra River and meets it in Kamrup district of Assam.
3. The proposed Kulsi River dam is a thermal power project.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Answer: 1 and 2 only

One-line wrap:
The Kulsi River dam debate reflects India’s larger challenge of balancing energy needs with ecology and community rights.

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