Guwahati, June 2: In a ‘win-win situation’ for both the states, Assam and Meghalaya have agreed in principle to jointly commission the long-stalled Kulsi multi-purpose irrigation and hydroelectric power project.
This decision was taken at the Chief Minister-level consultation between Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in Guwahati on Monday.
The Kulsi project, initiated in 1997, is a major irrigation and hydroelectric power project in the Brahmaputra Basin, primarily targeting areas along the Assam-Meghalaya border. With a 55 MW power component and the aim to irrigate 26,000 hectares of land, its execution had been stalled due to boundary disputes.
Calling the project a “win-win situation” for both states across power production, irrigation, and tourism development, Chief Minister Sangma said, “Both the governments have decided that we will work together as also a symbol of our Assam and Meghalaya friendship, that we will try and move this project forward.”
He also informed that the agreement comes with a condition that “the people living in those areas will be taken into confidence, discussions will be held with them, and we will find a way forward on how we take this project”. The decision, in principle, means work will commence with these vital community consultations.
