KULSI RIVER

The Kulsi River is a tributary of the Brahmaputra River in the Indian state of Assam. The river originates from West Khasi Hills of Meghalaya.

Last Updated on 7th June, 2025
2 minutes, 21 seconds

Description

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PC: ReasearchGate

Context

Despite environmentalists' protests, the Assam and Meghalaya governments have chosen to build a 55 MW hydroelectric project on the Kulsi, a small river known as a nesting site for endangered river dolphins.

About Kulsi River

Aspect

Details

River

Tributary of the Brahmaputra

Location

Indian state of Assam

Origin

West Khasi Hills, Meghalaya

Entry Point into Assam

Ukiam, Kamrup district

Distance from Origin to Assam Entry

12 km

Confluence with Brahmaputra

Nagarbera

Length (from Kulsi village to Nagarbera)

About 76 km

Course:

  • It is made up of three rivers: Khri, Krishniya, and Umsiri, all of which start in Meghalaya's West Khasi hill ranges at elevations above 1800 meters and flow north. 
  • The river is known as Khri in the upper catchments, and it travels northwest, joined by two additional tributaries, Krishniya and Umsiri, within the Khasi highlands of Meghalaya, before entering Assam at Ukium.
  • It then travels north over the plains of Assam's Kamrup District, eventually reaching Kulsi village. 
  • Finally, it drains into the Brahmaputra near Nagarbera.

Ganges River Dolphin Project

  • The Ganges River Dolphin depends on the river's depth (≥2 meters) for existence. However, illegal sand mining and infrastructure have reduced water levels by 70% in some areas.
  • While the project promises multiple benefits (electricity, irrigation, and tourism), environmentalists point up potential hazards to the river's ecosystem.  
  • The project will destroy dolphin habitat owing to changing water flow and noise pollution during development.

Source: Deccanherland

Practice Question:

Q. The Kulsi River is known for being a habitat of which endangered aquatic species?

A) Ganges Shark

B) Irrawaddy Dolphin

C) South Asian River Dolphin (Gangetic Dolphin)

D) Mugger Crocodile

Answer: C) South Asian River Dolphin (Gangetic Dolphin)

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