The Assam Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) has intensified its opposition to the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project (SLHP), alleging that the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) has ignored the long-standing concerns of Assam. On October 25, the student organization announced a series of statewide protests, accusing the central government and NHPC of neglecting the state’s safety, environment, and economic interests.
The agitation marks a renewed wave of activism against the project, which has faced criticism for years from environmentalists, local residents, and student bodies across Assam. AJYCP leaders declared that they will not allow NHPC to proceed without addressing the core issues that threaten the livelihoods and security of the people living downstream of the Subansiri River.
“Assam’s Voice Has Been Ignored,” Says AJYCP
AJYCP President Palash Changmai stated that the Subansiri project, located at the Assam Arunachal Pradesh border. Poses severe risks to downstream areas in Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, and Majuli districts. He claimed that NHPC has failed to provide adequate safety assurances or share benefits equitably with Assam, even though the state faces the highest potential impact from dam operations.
Changmai emphasized that multiple expert committees and environmental organizations have warned about the dam’s structural vulnerabilities in the seismically active Himalayan zone. He said the project’s design does not account for the fragile ecosystem of the region. Which could lead to catastrophic consequences during floods or earthquakes.
He also alleged that NHPC has been operating with “complete disregard for local consent,” sidelining Assam’s environmental and public safety concerns. The organization plans to stage demonstrations in Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Lakhimpur in the coming weeks.
Decade-Long Controversy Over Subansiri Project
The Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project, being developed by NHPC, is one of the largest hydropower projects in India with a capacity of 2,000 MW. Construction began in the early 2000s but has faced repeated halts due to safety concerns. And protests from Assam-based organizations.
Environmentalists have argued that the project could alter the natural flow of the Subansiri River. Which is a vital tributary of the Brahmaputra. The resulting changes could threaten fisheries, agriculture, and biodiversity in lower Assam.
Over the years, several expert committees including those formed by the Assam government have raised concerns about the dam’s structural design. Despite this, construction resumed after multiple revisions, with NHPC assuring that all safety standards have been met. However, AJYCP maintains that those assurances are insufficient.
AJYCP Demands Transparency and Public Hearing
The AJYCP has demanded an immediate suspension of construction until an independent technical review is conducted by geologists, environmental scientists, and civil engineers from Assam. They also want a transparent public hearing involving local communities before any further progress is made.
The organization accused NHPC of withholding critical information about dam safety measures, flood control mechanisms, and disaster management plans. According to AJYCP, this lack of transparency reflects a systematic marginalization of Assam in national development projects.
Changmai stated that Assam must not become “a dumping ground for environmental risks in the name of development.” He called upon all regional parties and civil society groups to unite in defense of the state’s ecological and human security.
NHPC’s Role Under Scrutiny
NHPC, which is responsible for executing the Subansiri project, has maintained that the dam is being built with modern safety mechanisms and international standards. However, AJYCP argues that the repeated breaches of trust between NHPC and Assam’s public cannot be overlooked.
The organization has also questioned the allocation of project benefits, such as electricity distribution and financial compensation. AJYCP claims that while Arunachal Pradesh and the central government gain direct advantages from the project. Assam receives negligible benefits despite bearing the brunt of environmental and social risks.
Several regional observers note that this issue reflects a broader tension between national development policies and local rights. Many believe that Assam’s concerns should be prioritized, especially given the ecological sensitivity of the Brahmaputra basin.
Public Sentiment and Political Reactions
Public response to the AJYCP’s agitation has been largely supportive in upper Assam. Many residents fear that once operational. The dam could worsen flooding patterns in the downstream districts, which already face annual devastation.
Political parties in the state have reacted cautiously, urging the government to ensure that Assam’s interests are protected. Some opposition leaders have demanded that the state government take a clear stance and push for an independent review committee.
Experts warn that ignoring local sentiment could reignite large-scale protests similar to those seen a decade ago. When the Subansiri project was temporarily halted after widespread demonstrations.
Call for Sustainable Development
The AJYCP has clarified that it is not against development but advocates for “responsible and inclusive growth.” The organization urged both the Assam and central governments to prioritize sustainable development practices that protect people, rivers, and biodiversity.
Their message is clear: Assam should not be forced to sacrifice its ecological balance for projects that offer limited local benefits. The agitation, they say, is a call for justice, transparency, and respect for the people’s voice.
If the NHPC and the government fail to respond. AJYCP has warned of escalating its protests in the coming months. The group also plans to approach the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and seek intervention from environmental experts.