Meghalaya Power Minister Assures No Kulsi Dam Without Public Consensus, Cites Lower Subansiri Lessons
First Published: 4th July, 2025 14:16 IST
Residents have raised concerns over possible displacement, environmental degradation, and threats to their livelihoods.
Meghalaya Power Minister AT Mondal has assured that the proposed 55-megawatt Kulsi hydroelectric project will not move ahead without the consent of all stakeholders. Drawing a comparison with the long-delayed Lower Subansiri hydropower project, Mondal stressed that the government has learned from past mistakes and will take every possible step to avoid public unrest.
The Kulsi project, jointly planned by the governments of Assam and Meghalaya, has triggered strong opposition from local communities living near the Assam-Meghalaya border. Residents have raised concerns over possible displacement, environmental degradation, and threats to their livelihoods.
The Kulsi River, known as Kolohi in downstream areas of Assam’s Kamrup district, is a vital tributary of the Brahmaputra. It supports thousands of farming and fishing families and serves as a crucial habitat for the endangered river dolphin. Locals also fear that a proposed satellite township at Barduar, in conjunction with the dam, will severely disrupt their traditional way of life.
Mondal clarified that the project remains in its conceptual stage and has only emerged through recent inter-state discussions aimed at building cooperation between Assam and Meghalaya. He said that the government will not initiate any construction or land acquisition work unless all public concerns are addressed and a broad consensus is built.
“We are not going to push this project forward unless everyone is on board. We will hold consultations and take the public into confidence before taking any step,” Mondal said.
Also Read: Meghalaya Man Mysteriously Goes Missing Inside Assam State Zoo
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