In the tranquil foothills where Assam meets Meghalaya, a storm of protest is brewing—not of weather, but of people’s resistance. On the banks of the serene Kulsi River, hundreds of villagers have risen in united opposition against a proposed 55 MW dam project. What began as murmurs in village meetings has now grown into a strong, determined voice calling for environmental preservation, indigenous rights, and sustainable development.
The proposed hydropower project, to be constructed on a tributary of the Brahmaputra River, has drawn criticism from local communities who fear it will irreversibly alter their lives and the river’s natural ecosystem. At the heart of this resistance lies a deep love for the Kulsi and its unique biodiversity—especially its most treasured resident, the endangered Gangetic river dolphin (Platanista gangetica).
A River of Life, Now Under Threat
The Kulsi River is more than just a water body—it is a lifeline for thousands. Stretching through parts of Assam and touching the border regions of Meghalaya, it supports fishing communities, sustains seasonal agriculture, and nourishes thick forests that are home to diverse flora and fauna. Most importantly, Kulsi is known as a rare habitat for the freshwater Gangetic dolphin, a species recognized as endangered under the IUCN Red List and protected under India’s Wildlife Protection Act.
Villagers argue that building a dam will devastate the natural habitat of these gentle aquatic mammals, disrupting their migratory patterns, polluting the water, and potentially pushing them further toward extinction. “The dolphin is not just a species; it is our pride, our neighbor, and a symbol of a clean river,” said Rupali Das, a local schoolteacher in Chaygaon, Assam.
Grassroots Resistance: A Cross-Border Unity
In a rare show of inter-state unity, villagers from Assam’s Kamrup district and Meghalaya’s West Khasi Hills region jointly organized protests and public awareness marches. Traditional leaders, environmental activists, farmers, and students walked side by side, holding handmade placards that read “Save Kulsi, Save Life,” and “No Dam, No Destruction.”
This joint movement is not without merit. The dam’s downstream effects would ripple through both states, possibly causing flash floods during monsoons, sedimentation issues, and even displacement of communities. Agriculture, which relies heavily on the Kulsi’s natural irrigation patterns, could suffer devastating consequences.
“We have seen what happened with other dams. Promises were made but livelihoods were lost. We won’t let Kulsi become another statistic,” said Mahendra Kharkongor, a community leader from Meghalaya.
Memorandums Submitted, Concerns Echoed
In an organized move, the protestors submitted memorandums to both Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma. The letters requested immediate suspension of the project’s approval and a transparent environmental impact assessment (EIA) conducted with local consultation.
The villagers are demanding the publication of all feasibility studies, open dialogues with stakeholders, and exploration of alternative energy projects that would not compromise biodiversity. Their plea is simple: “Development is welcome, but not at the cost of nature and community.”
Echoes from Experts
Environmentalists have backed the villagers’ concerns. Dr. Ranjit Saikia, a conservation biologist based in Guwahati, warned that the dam could permanently alter the ecological balance of the region.
“The Gangetic dolphin depends on undisturbed, flowing freshwater systems. Dams fragment their habitats and reduce breeding success. The cumulative effect of such infrastructure projects could be disastrous,” he said.
Dr. Saikia also emphasized that the project lies dangerously close to eco-sensitive zones, adding that any short-term energy gain would be offset by long-term ecological loss.
A Call for Sustainable Alternatives
As the nation moves toward its renewable energy goals, the clash between infrastructure and ecology grows sharper. The Kulsi protest is not anti-development—it is a plea for thoughtful development that respects the rights of people and the rhythms of nature.
For now, the Kulsi flows freely, meandering through forests and villages like it has for centuries. But the future remains uncertain.
What’s clear, however, is that a river once quietly flowing through rural Assam and Meghalaya has now become the voice of resistance, of identity, and of a growing awareness that nature cannot be sacrificed in the name of progress.
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Villagers from Assam and Meghalaya are protesting a proposed 55 MW dam on the Kulsi River, fearing ecological damage and threats to the endangered Gangetic dolphin. Their call highlights the urgent need for sustainable development.
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Assam, Meghalaya, Kulsi River, Dam Protest, Gangetic Dolphin, Environmental News, Assam News, River Protection, India Hydropower, Biodiversity Conservation