Guwahati: Three traditional Khasi chiefs have vowed not to issue no-objection certificates (NOCs) for the proposed 55 MW Kulsi Hydropower Project and pledged support to communities opposing the project.
The three — Kestor Manik Syiem Iich, Syiem of Hima Nongkhlaw; Phlowing Syiem Nongbak, Syiem of Hima Nongmynsaw; and Order Syiem Sad, Syiem of Hima Rambrai joined a major anti-dam rally at Kyrshai playground in Meghalaya near Ukiam along the Assam-Meghalaya border on Thursday.
More than 2,000 people from the Rabha, Bodo, Garo and Khasi indigenous communities of Assam and Meghalaya attended the rally organised by the Assam-Meghalaya Joint Protection Committee, formed in 2025 to oppose the proposed project.
Speaking to the media, Nongkhlaw Syiem Kestor Manik Lich said land-related projects in Meghalaya require the consent of the relevant traditional authorities, including the concerned Syiem and village headmen. He said no NOC had so far been issued for the proposed Kulsi dam.
The three traditional chiefs made it clear that the required consent would not be granted and assured Khasi, Garo, Rabha and Bodo communities of their support in opposing the project. They also appealed to people of Assam and Meghalaya to remain united, describing the two neighbouring states as “two brothers”.
Albert Nonglang, president of the Assam-Meghalaya Joint Protection Committee, said the proposed dam would affect around 46 villages across Assam and Meghalaya. He said monetary compensation could not provide a permanent solution for indigenous communities facing displacement.
Nonglang said the proposed 62-metre-high dam could have major ecological and social consequences for Kamrup district in Assam and West Khasi Hills district in Meghalaya.
Biswajit Rabha, president of the Assam-Meghalaya Youth Joint Protection Committee, said areas of Meghalaya fall under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution and stressed the importance of the traditional chiefs’ position in protecting land and community interests.
The rally highlighted concerns over displacement, land rights, traditional institutions, livelihoods and the environmental impact of the proposed project. The Kulsi River flows through Ukiam and Kirsai villages under the Boko-Chhaygaon Legislative Assembly Constituency.
The proposed Kulsi Multipurpose Project is planned across the Kulsi river along the Assam-Meghalaya border. According to the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, the project envisages 55 MW of hydropower generation, irrigation benefits for around 26,000 hectares and incidental flood-management benefits.
The project’s estimated cost in the DPR is around Rs 1,454.95 crore at the June 2017 price level. The Brahmaputra Board handed over the DPR and related records to the Assam Power Generation Corporation Limited (APGCL) on July 30, 2026, marking an important step towards taking the project forward.