Kulsi Dam is a National Project, says Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangma

A Correspondent

SHILLONG: The Meghalaya Assembly on Tuesday was informed that the Kulsi Dam Project proposed in the border between Kamrup in Assam and Meghalaya in West Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi district is a national project under the Brahmaputra Board.

“Out of the 14 national projects the Kulsi Dam Project comes at number 11,” Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma informed during the Question Hour of the Autumn session held on Tuesday.

Replying to a query by Congress MLA from Rambrai-Jyrngam, Kimfa Sidney Marbaniang, the Chief Minister said that land will be submerged and people will be affected both in Assam and Meghalaya due to the project.

Conrad, however said that no, ‘No Objection Certificate’ has been issued yet to the Brahmaputra Board, Assam.

The Chief Minister also informed that the Kulsi Dam Project has been declared a national project - under hydro power and irrigation and therefore compensation and rehabilitation will be done as per the guidelines of the government of India given under the laws applicable to the same including conduct of public hearing.

“The steps that will have to be taken will require consideration of the outcome of the public hearing also,” Conrad K Sangma said.

Meanwhile, leader of opposition in the Meghalaya assembly, Dr Mukul Sangma asked the state government to first verify if the proposed site where the dam is proposed does not fall under areas of difference between Meghalaya and Assam.

“It is then only the state government can decide whether to go ahead or not with the project,” Dr Sangma said.

“The areas of difference is available with the government and should not be a problem,” the leader of opposition added.

The Chief Minister in his reply stated that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) is being prepared and after its completion only it will be known if areas of difference too will be affected.

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