Boko, Sept 25: The proposed 55 MW Ukiam hydropower project on the Assam–Meghalaya border has once again sparked strong protests, with the Garo National Council (GNC), Rabha National Council (RNC), and several other organisations vowing never to accept the project under any circumstances.
The protest meeting, organised by the GNC at Ukiam’s picnic spot on Thursday, saw the participation of multiple groups, including the Assam–Meghalaya Joint Protection Committee. The project, jointly approved by the governments of Assam and Meghalaya, proposes a dam at the confluence of the Drone, Shree, and Dilma rivers, which give rise to the Kulshi river. However, residents of Ukiam and adjoining areas in Meghalaya have been opposing the plan for years, citing ecological and social concerns.
Before the meeting began, members of the Garo community offered prayers for the departed singer Zubeen Garg, paying floral tributes and lighting candles before his portrait in a solemn start to the programme.
GNC president Enindra Marak dismissed government claims that only 10–15 villages would be affected. “The impact will not be confined to a few villages. The dam will cause destruction extending from Meghalaya to the Brahmaputra basin in Assam,” he warned. Marak also alleged that construction might be delayed until after the 2026 Assembly elections to avoid backlash, but could be pushed forward later. He further criticised Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for failing to engage with the people of Ukiam or offer any assurance on the matter.
RNC chief convenor Gobinda Rabha launched a sharp attack on the state government, claiming that nearly 1.9 lakh bighas of land would be destroyed if the dam is built. He stressed that projects in tribal belt and block areas must have the consent of local residents. In a controversial remark, Rabha said, “Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma does not understand our pain because he is essentially an outsider to our struggles.” He accused the government of ignoring the plight of indigenous communities.
Rabha also called on the people of Kamrup district to unite against what he termed “anti-people projects.” He cited not only the Ukiam dam but also the proposed Dorabeel Logistics Park at Kukurmara–Palashbari and the satellite township at Borduar near Rani, warning that these projects would disrupt the ecological balance and adversely impact local communities.
Earlier, local organisations had submitted memorandums to both the Assam and Meghalaya governments demanding cancellation of the project, but no positive response has been received. On September 19, the Assam–Meghalaya Joint Protection Committee submitted a memorandum to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) in Shillong. However, KHADC authorities stated that the matter should be discussed with the traditional chiefs (Rajas) of Nongmynsaw, Nongkhlaw, and Rambrai areas.
GNC general secretary Chengjan Sangma informed the public that unless the local chiefs issue a no-objection certificate, no dam can be constructed at Ukiam.
Also Read: VPP nominates Nongthymmai MDC as new KHADC CEM Designate
Also Watch
Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.
Also, Follow us on-
Twitter-twitter.com/nemediahub
Youtube channel- www.youtube.com/@NortheastMediaHub2020
Instagram- www.instagram.com/ne_media_hub
Download our app from playstore – Northeast Media Hub
