Hydropower is northeast India s biggest resource. But the manner in which the Subansiri Lower Project SLP is being implemented forces nitin sethi to ask: how should this growth potential be tapped?

This paper is based on the empirical findings from the Supervision Mission of a project funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The mission visited the two project districts from 3 May to 17 May 2004 and conducted assessment on the on-going programmes in Karbi Anglong District of Assam and Ukhrul District of Manipur. One of the main objectives of the Supervision Mission which the author of this paper is supposed to examine is the socio-cultural dimensions of poverty.

Problem: Terrain forbids water supply systems that work in plains; Status: Water crisis in peak season every year; Challenge: Develop decentralised water supply systems

Problem: Lack of space for garbage disposal; inadequate sewerage; Status: Garbage disposed on hill slopes ends in streams/rivers; Challenge: Introduce decentralised technologies for wast

Problem: Tall buildings risky in high seismic zones; Status: Hill stations are getting concretised and growing vertically; Challenge: Use local construction material; regulate traffic

Planners must stop looking down at hill stations

Problem: Tourist influx too large; earnings flow downhill; Status: Residents forced to share meagre facilities with tourists; Challenge: Regulate tourist flow; channelise funds for devel

Problem: Terrain forbids sprawl as in cities in the plains; Status: Alarming population density people per sq km ; Challenge: Policy question is: decongest, but how?