Assam–Meghalaya Join Hands for Kulsi River Hydropower Project

Key Points for SSC & Other Govt Exams

  • Project: 55 MW Hydropower & Irrigation Project on Kulsi River.
  • States Involved: Assam and Meghalaya.
  • Purpose: Address urban flooding in Guwahati and resolve boundary disputes.
  • Kulsi River: Tributary of the Brahmaputra, habitat of Gangetic river dolphin.
  • Institutions Involved:
    • North Eastern Space Application Centre (NESAC) – Satellite mapping.
    • IIT Roorkee – Flood mitigation planning.
  • Boundary Agreement: 6 of 12 disputed sectors resolved; pillars in 5 sectors by 15 August.
  • Governance Approach: Emphasis on collaborative governance.
  • Economic Impact: Boosts tourism, regional development, and livelihoods.

Full Article

Assam and Meghalaya Launch Joint Hydropower & Irrigation Project

In a major step toward inter-state cooperation, the Assam and Meghalaya governments have announced a joint 55-Megawatt Hydropower and Irrigation Project on the Kulsi River, aimed at producing electricity and mitigating urban flooding in Guwahati.

This initiative, discussed during a high-level meeting between Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, also reflects their commitment to resolving long-standing boundary disputes and fostering regional development.

Project Highlights: Kulsi River as a Power & Irrigation Source

The Kulsi River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra, has been selected for the hydropower project due to its ecological and economic significance. Apart from generating clean electricity for both states, the river will provide irrigation benefits to Assam’s agricultural sector.

Importantly, local community consultations will be conducted to ensure ecological preservation, especially as Kulsi is home to the Gangetic river dolphin, a protected species.

Urban Flooding in Guwahati: A Shared Concern

Urban flooding in Guwahati has become a recurring and severe issue. To address this, the two state governments will engage with the North Eastern Space Application Centre (NESAC) to conduct satellite mapping of vulnerable areas.

The data will be analyzed by experts from the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) to frame flood mitigation strategies. This integrated scientific approach could provide long-term relief to the region.

Boundary Dispute: Moving Towards Resolution

A boundary dispute between Assam and Meghalaya had remained unresolved for over 52 years. However, recent dialogue has resulted in agreements on six of the twelve disputed sectors.

Boundary pillars are expected to be installed in five sectors by August 15, and land adjustment requests from Meghalaya are being reviewed to ensure a fair and balanced resolution.

Cooperative Governance: A New Model?

The leadership of both states emphasized dialogue, cooperation, and joint efforts as the path forward. Whether it’s infrastructure, disaster management, or regional planning, this initiative could become a model for other inter-state collaborations across India.

Future Prospects: Economic Boost and Regional Harmony

The joint project is expected to bring:

  • Improved infrastructure
  • Greater energy access
  • Boost to tourism around the Kulsi River
  • Job creation and rural development

The success of this venture may lay the groundwork for future economic and ecological cooperation between Assam and Meghalaya.

Exam Special: Static GK About Involved States

Assam

  • Capital: Dispur
  • Chief Minister: Himanta Biswa Sarma
  • Governor: Gulab Chand Kataria
  • Major Rivers: Brahmaputra, Barak
  • National Parks: Kaziranga, Manas, Nameri, Orang
  • Festivals: Bihu, Ambubachi Mela

Meghalaya

  • Capital: Shillong
  • Chief Minister: Conrad K. Sangma
  • Governor: Phagu Chauhan
  • Major Rivers: Umiam, Simsang
  • National Parks: Nokrek, Balpakram
  • Festivals: Wangala, Shad Suk Mynsiem

Organizations Mentioned

  • NESAC (North Eastern Space Application Centre)
    • Location: Shillong, Meghalaya
    • Function: Remote sensing, satellite mapping, disaster management
  • IIT Roorkee
    • Established: 1847
    • Location: Uttarakhand
    • Specialization: Engineering, Disaster Management, Hydrology

MCQs Based on This Topic

Q1. Which river is used for the Assam-Meghalaya hydropower project?
A. Barak
B. Brahmaputra
C. Kulsi
D. Teesta
Answer: C. Kulsi

Q2. What is the capacity of the proposed hydropower project by Assam and Meghalaya?
A. 25 MW
B. 40 MW
C. 55 MW
D. 75 MW
Answer: C. 55 MW

Q3. The Kulsi River is a tributary of which major Indian river?
A. Ganga
B. Brahmaputra
C. Godavari
D. Yamuna
Answer: B. Brahmaputra

Q4. Which species’ habitat is found in the Kulsi River?
A. Olive Ridley Turtle
B. Snow Leopard
C. Gangetic River Dolphin
D. Great Indian Bustard
Answer: C. Gangetic River Dolphin

Q5. How many boundary sectors have Assam and Meghalaya reached an agreement on?
A. 4
B. 5
C. 6
D. 12
Answer: C. 6

Q6. What institution will analyze satellite data for flood mitigation in Guwahati?
A. IIT Delhi
B. NESAC
C. IIT Roorkee
D. ISRO
Answer: C. IIT Roorkee