The Kopili River is an interstate river in Northeast India. It originates in the Meghalaya Plateau and flows through Central Assam and the hill districts before joining the Brahmaputra River. In Assam, it passes through the districts of Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao, Kamrup, and Nagaon. The river is about 300 kilometers long and has a catchment area of 16,420 square kilometers. It is the largest south bank tributary of the Brahmaputra in Assam,

The Kopili Hydro Electric Project (KHEP) is a 275-megawatt power project built on the Kopili River and its tributary, the Umrong stream. It is located in the Dima Hasao district of Assam and is operated by the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO),

The Khandong Dam holds back the Kopili River, while the Umrong Dam holds the Umrong stream, creating the Kopili and Umrong reservoirs. Water from the Kopili reservoir is used at the Khandong Power Station and then flows into the Umrong reservoir. From there, it is diverted through tunnels to the Kopili Power Station on the banks of the Kopili River.

The Khandong and Umrong dams are major parts of the Kopili Hydro Electric Project. They were built in the 1980s. The first unit of the project, which includes the Khandong Dam, began operation in March 1984. A few years later, in 1988, the Umrong Dam was completed, increasing the project's power generation capacity.

These two dams have played a key role not only in producing electricity but also in improving livelihoods in the region. Their construction and continued operation have created many jobs. According to the ANDRITZ GROUP, a company that supplies equipment for the project, around 26,700 people have been employed by the Kopili Hydro Electric Project. This shows how the project has supported not just energy needs, but also the local economy and thousands of families.

Benefits of the Kopili Hydro Electric Project:

Increased Clean Energy Supply:

The project provides more clean and renewable electricity, helping reduce the use of fossil fuels and lowering pollution.

Better Electricity Availability:

It helps reduce power shortages and makes electricity more reliable for homes and industries in the region.

Economic Growth:

By improving living conditions and helping businesses grow, the project creates new jobs and boosts the local economy.

Environmental Benefits:

Since the project uses water to generate electricity, it helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and supports the fight against climate change.

Regional Development:

The project helps the Northeast region grow by supplying affordable and steady electricity for industries and farming.

Capacity Building:

It helps build the skills of Assam Power Generation Corporation Limited (APGCL) in construction, operation, and maintenance, supporting long-term progress.

Gender Equity:

The project promotes equal opportunities by encouraging more women to take part in the energy sector through training and jobs.

Challenges Faced by the Project:

Water Pollution:

Coal mining in Meghalaya has caused acid mine drainage, which has polluted the Kopili River. This pollution has affected the Lower Kopili Project and delayed approvals and funding.

Effect on Aquatic Life Due to Acidic Water:

The Kopili River is home to 54 species of fish. However, unscientific open-cast coal mining has turned parts of the river acidic, killing many aquatic species and making the water unfit for both animals and humans.

Flooding Issues:

Water released from NEEPCO dams has reportedly made floods worse in downstream areas like Diyungbra, Jugijan, Lanka, and others, raising concerns among local people.

Pipeline Accidents:

On October 7, 2019, a penstock (a large water pipeline) burst at the Kopili Hydro Electric Project, causing serious flooding. Sadly, four people lost their lives. Investigations found that illegal rat-hole mining in Meghalaya had weakened the pipeline.

A similar incident occurred on March 26, 2022. Another pipeline burst, leading to a massive flood and the deaths of three NEEPCO workers. This time, an explosion in the penstock pipe caused a surge shaft to overflow, submerging the Khandong Power House.

Although the KHEP project by NEEPCO has some negative aspects, it has also brought many positive changes. It has created jobs and provided housing for thousands of people. The project has helped transform Umrongso into an industrial town and has boosted the local economy.