The Quiet Crisis of the Subansiri: Impacts of Hydropower on Local Livelihoods
“Hey Rupam, open the door! Take this fish!” A voice burst through the downpour, cutting through the relentless sounds of rain pelting the tin roof. This was the heart of the monsoon season in rural northeast India, where life revolves around the rhythm of nature. My friend Rupam’s neighbor, affectionately referred to as ‘aunty’, stood outside with a large bowl filled with freshly caught Boriala fish. Her husband had been out all evening fishing in the vibrant waters of the Subansiri River, showcasing a treasured tradition deeply woven into the fabric of local culture and community.
As the river swells during these monsoon months, it brings with it a rich bounty of fish, sustaining families and bolstering the local economy. However, the tranquility of this pastoral life is threatened by the impending construction of the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project, one of India’s largest dams. With completion expected in 2026, there are growing concerns among villagers about the significant changes this dam will bring to the river’s natural flow. It will impede fish migration, alter local ecosystems, and ultimately disrupt the livelihoods of those who rely on the river for food and commerce.
The traditional wisdom of the communities near the Subansiri underscores its importance. For the Mising, the largest indigenous community in the region, the river is no benign entity; they refer to it as “Awanori,” meaning “mother river.” This reverence paints a stark picture of the cultural and spiritual significance of rivers in Islamic, Algerian, and Palestinian traditions, where bodies of water are seen as sources of life and sustenance, integral to identity and community well-being.
As I conducted my research in 2023, I engaged with local residents like Rupam and his neighbor to understand their fears and hopes. With the dam’s construction, the very nature of the river that has always been a reliable source of fish and a way of life is about to change dramatically. While the government touts the project as a means to secure energy and progress in northeast India—strategically labeled as “India’s Future Powerhouse”—the real impact on communities is painfully overlooked.
The dam will reroute water flow, keeping it virtually stagnant during the day and releasing torrents during the night to generate peak electricity—an artificial imbalance that will thwart traditional fishing practices and local agriculture, which has thrived on the natural ebb and flow of river seasons. The anticipated flooding will result in vital fishing grounds becoming inaccessible, leaving families like Rupam’s pondering how to adapt to this new reality.
Moreover, environmentalists have voiced fears regarding the dam’s broader ecological ramifications. A profound sense of responsibility binds us to protect these natural resources, especially in light of the climate crisis, which disproportionately affects marginalized communities around the globe. Generating power from renewables like hydropower should not come at such a heavy price to the people depending on these natural waterways.
The construction of the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project is not merely a question of energy generation—it is a stark reminder of the need for sustainable practices and equitable policies that consider the lived experiences of those most affected. As we navigate these complex challenges, embracing progressive values rooted in social justice, cultural respect, and environmental stewardship is crucial.
While the local community prepares for the forthcoming changes, it remains essential to amplify their voices and highlight their coexistence with the land and water that sustain them. It’s a call to protect their rights and heritage as they strive to adapt and thrive in the face of inevitable shifts.
Will Rupam’s neighbor still be catching fish to share with the community? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear—our collective responsibility should be to ensure that the voices of the oppressed are not drowned out by the rush for progress. This should serve as a rallying point in our shared political consciousness, especially as we embrace progressive causes globally.
As we consider our moral obligations, both locally and globally, we must stand in support of underrepresented communities—not just in India, but for Palestinians and Algerians facing their own struggles. When cultures intertwine and uplift one another, we not only foster understanding but also build a shared future rich in diversity and compassion.
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