Shillong: Traditional heads in Meghalaya shut down the Kulsi dam project. They refused to provide the necessary land consent on Thursday. Over 2,000 people from Khasi, Garo, Rabha and Bodo communities gathered at the Kyrshai playground near the Assam-Meghalaya border to voice their dissent. The Assam-Meghalaya Joint Protection Committee organized the rally to halt the mega-project.
Albert Nonglang, president of the committee, warned that the dam will impact 46 villages. The structure is slated to stand 62 metres high. It risks displacing residents and destroying traditional livelihoods in the Kamrup district and West Khasi Hills. Nonglang argued that government money cannot replace lost ancestral land.
The project aims to generate 55 MW of power and irrigate 26,000 hectares. According to the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the cost is estimated at Rs 1,454.95 crore based on 2017 prices. The Brahmaputra Board transferred the detailed project report to the Assam Power Generation Corporation Limited on July 30. Despite this, the project faces a major legal and social hurdle.
Biswajit Rabha, president of the youth wing, noted that the region falls under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. This gives traditional institutions significant leverage over land use. Syiem Kestor Manik Lich confirmed that no no objection certificate has been issued. He stated, "the necessary consent would not be granted for the project." The Syiems of Nongmynsaw and Rambrai joined him in the refusal. They urged the public to stay united and reject any project-related inducements.
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