Lower Subansiri Hydropower Project Sparks Fresh Controversy; River Faces Threat Amid Alleged Water Diversion for Power Generation
The once vibrant Subansiri River is now facing an alarming situation, with concerns growing over its rapidly declining water levels. Local residents have alleged that water is being impounded for power generation at the Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Project, raising serious concerns about the river’s ecological health and the livelihoods of thousands of people dependent on it.
The river, which once flowed with abundant water and sustained communities across Lakhimpur and the lower reaches of the region, is now witnessing a worrying change. According to local residents, the NHPC-run Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Project has disrupted the river’s natural flow, leaving several stretches with significantly reduced water levels.
The declining water levels have also raised concerns about the survival of aquatic animals and various fish species. Local residents have alleged that several fish and other aquatic creatures are dying due to the shortage of water. Thousands of fishing families who once depended on the Subansiri River for their livelihood are now facing growing uncertainty. Reduced water levels have affected fishing activities, threatening a traditional occupation that has sustained generations of riverbank communities.
The situation has raised concerns not only about the river’s aquatic ecosystem but also about the future of the indigenous and river-dependent communities that have lived along its banks for generations. Residents say their traditional way of life is increasingly under threat, with even access to adequate water becoming a growing concern in certain areas.
Meanwhile, the hydropower project has once again triggered political debate. Several political leaders who are currently in positions of power had earlier participated in protests demanding the project’s closure. Leaders including Ranoj Pegu, Bhuvan Pegu, Prasanta Phukan and Padma Hazarika had reportedly been associated with the anti-dam movement.
Even India’s present Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, had reportedly taken part in a protest at Gogamukh, demanding the closure of the Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Project.
However, critics have now questioned the apparent shift in political positions over the years. Leaders who once opposed the project are now facing questions over their present stance and the government’s development narrative surrounding the hydropower project.
The growing concerns have brought a fundamental question to the forefront: Who truly benefits from development that allegedly comes at the cost of the environment, aquatic biodiversity and the livelihoods of thousands of river-dependent families?
As concerns mount over the condition of the Subansiri River, questions are being raised about the need to balance power generation with environmental protection, ecological sustainability and the welfare of the communities that depend on the river.
