Shillong Jan 6: The Wah Kupli River and its picturesque waterfalls—long celebrated as symbols of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and community life—may soon exist only in memory, as concerns grow over the impact of hydroelectric power projects in the region.
More than a water body, the Wah Kupli is a lifeline intricately woven into local folklore, ecological balance, tourism, and daily livelihoods of communities living along its banks. However, these invaluable natural and cultural assets now face a serious threat from hydroelectric projects being implemented by the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO).
Local residents and community leaders have voiced grave apprehensions that the hydel projects will disrupt the river’s natural flow, dry up seasonal waterfalls, and permanently alter the landscape that has attracted visitors for decades. Such changes, they warn, could result in irreversible ecological damage and loss of cultural identity linked to the river.
The Kupli Dam, located along the Meghalaya–Assam border, spans the West Jaintia Hills District of Meghalaya and Dima Hasao District of Assam. The surrounding area has long been known as a popular tourist destination, valued for its serene environment, scenic river stretches, and cascading waterfalls.
Recently, a team of media persons visited the project site and interacted with leaders of the Saphai Dorbar Shnong to assess the potential impact of the hydel project on the local community. During the interaction, Waheh Shnong of Saphai, Ma Jino Synnah, along with Secretary Ma Teiborme and Assistant Waheh Shnong Ma R. Biam, expressed deep concern over the long-term consequences of the dam.
The shnong leaders stressed that while development and power generation are important for both the state and the nation, such progress should not come at the cost of environmental destruction and erosion of indigenous heritage. They highlighted that many families in the area depend on tourism, agriculture, and river-based livelihoods, all of which are vulnerable to changes in the river’s natural course.
They further noted that tourism activity has already begun to decline, fuelled by uncertainty surrounding the future of the river and its waterfalls. This downturn has directly affected local incomes, employment opportunities for youth, and the overall economic well-being of the community.
The local community has now urged state and central authorities to undertake a thorough reassessment of the project and to hold meaningful consultations with affected villages. They have called for a balanced approach to development—one that meets energy needs while safeguarding the Wah Kupli River, its waterfalls, and the fragile ecosystem that sustains both nature and local livelihoods.
