Photo Courtesy: nenow
Guwahati: Three Khasi chiefs killed the proposed 55 MW Kulsi Hydropower Project in its tracks. They vowed to withhold all necessary no-objection certificates. Kestor Manik Syiem Iich of Hima Nongkhlaw, Phlowing Syiem Nongbak of Hima Nongmynsaw, and Order Syiem Sad of Hima Rambrai stood united at the Kyrshai playground rally on Thursday. They joined more than 2,000 protesters near the Assam-Meghalaya border to oppose the build.
The Assam-Meghalaya Joint Protection Committee organized the event. This group formed in 2025 to fight the dam. The project sits on the Kulsi River, impacting villages in the Boko-Chhaygaon constituency. Kestor Manik Lich told the press, "Land-related projects in Meghalaya require the consent of the relevant traditional authorities, including the concerned Syiem and village headmen." He confirmed no certificates exist.
Committee president Albert Nonglang warned that 46 villages face displacement. The plan calls for a 62-metre-high structure with a price tag of Rs 1,454.95 crore based on 2017 estimates. The Union Ministry of Jal Shakti claims the project provides irrigation for 26,000 hectares and flood control. The Brahmaputra Board transferred the records to the Assam Power Generation Corporation Limited on July 30, 2026.
Biswajit Rabha, head of the youth committee, pointed to the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. He argues this protects traditional land rights. The chiefs demanded unity between the states. They referred to Assam and Meghalaya as "two brothers" while pledging to block the dam. They refuse to trade their land for monetary compensation.
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