State and the Struggle for Sustainable Livelihood: Implications of Large Dams on the Brahmaputra Valley in Assam

Hydro power generation has been considered as one of the major sectors for bringing about economic transformation for the North Eastern region of India. The potentialities of the region have been explored and the water resources are set to be tapped to meet the ever increasing demands of energy security. The execution of projects proposed and maintenance of the existing projects will prove to be a litmus test for the much hyped acche din for the people of the region. Assam is a bio-diversity hotspot and exhibits a unique blend of cultures and traditions of diverse communities many of whom depend on Common Property Resources (CPR) for their livelihood. The paper explores the conflict that might arise from any such attempt that impinges on the right of the communities towards a secure livelihood.