Land swap likely to resolve disputes at Tarabari and Gijang ** Assam to respond to clarifications sought by Meghalaya by next week
Guwahati, June 2: Meghalaya and Assam have made significant inroads towards resolving some long-standing issues and agreed to erect boundary pillars at five disputed sites by August 15, joint implementation of the stalled Kulsi hydroelectric and irrigation project, and commission a satellite survey to tackle chronic urban flooding in Guwahati.
The decisions emerged from a high-level meeting between Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K Sangma and his Assam counterpart Himanta Biswa Sarma, marking a fresh wave of cooperation between the two North Eastern states.
On the long-standing border dispute, the Meghalaya chief minister announced that physical demarcation of the six areas of difference — already resolved through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) — will begin shortly.
“We are very close to finalising the border pillars and are hopeful of completing the process by or before August 15. This will be a major milestone and a strong testament to the growing friendship between our states,” he said. Some minor pending issues in areas like Gijang and Tarabari are expected to be sorted out soon.
The Assam chief minister also confirmed that of the 12 disputed areas, six have already been resolved with the Union Home Minister’s mediation on January 2022. “Now the most important step is to install boundary pillars in those six areas,” Sarma said.
On the “readjustments required at Tarabari and Hijang”, he said, “Equal land swaps will ensure fairness — some villages may go to Meghalaya, and equivalent portions will remain with Assam.” He said pending clarifications from Meghalaya will be addressed within next week.
Meanwhile, both the states have also reached an in-principle agreement to jointly revive the Kulsi multi-purpose hydroelectric and irrigation project, stalled for years due to boundary disputes.
Initially proposed in 1997, the 55 MW project in the Brahmaputra Basin is expected to irrigate nearly 26,000 hectares and generate clean energy for both states.
Assam will fund the Kulsi Irrigation Project, aimed at boosting agricultural productivity in adjoining districts. In parallel, a 55 MW hydroelectric power project on the river is also in the pipeline.
“This project is a win-win for both states — be it in terms of power generation, irrigation, or tourism,” said Sangma.
However, he made it clear that people living in those areas will be taken into confidence for implementing the project.
Both governments have decided to start consultation with the people as a beginning of the inter-state project, he said.
Lauding the cooperative spirit shown by both governments, he said, “Challenges will always exist, but our commitment to dialogue and resolution is what stands out. Today’s meeting reflects that shared vision.”
Addressing the persistent issue of flooding in Guwahati, both states agreed to commission the North Eastern Space Application Centre (NESAC) to conduct a satellite-based assessment of forest cover, water flow patterns, and areas prone to waterlogging. The study is expected to be completed within three months.
“We have decided to approach NESAC for a detailed satellite imaging study, covering forest areas, water flows, and water-logging zones. Based on this, institutions like IIT Roorkee will help us translate the data into actionable solutions,” Sangma said.
He emphasized the need for a collaborative approach, noting that flooding affects not just Guwahati residents but also communities in adjoining Meghalaya that rely on the region for livelihoods and trade.
“Urban flooding in Guwahati is no longer a seasonal inconvenience—it’s an environmental crisis,” said the Assam chief minister.
At the centre of the flooding issue is unregulated hill-cutting and deforestation near Jorabat, on the Assam-Meghalaya border.
The Central Empowered Committee (CEC), a Supreme Court-appointed watchdog, has already flagged violations and directed both governments to take corrective steps. A joint report may soon be submitted to the apex court.
From Meghalaya, the meeting was also attended by tourism minister Paul Lyngdoh and chief secretary DP Wahlang.
