Background and Formation
Umiam Lake, popularly known as Barapani (and locally called Dam Sait), is a scenic manmade reservoir situated approximately 15 km north of Shillong in Meghalaya. The lake was created in the early 1960s by damming the Umiam River under the Umiam Umtru Hydroelectric Power Project.
Key Development Details:
- Developed by the Assam State Electricity Board
- Umiam Stage I powerhouse commissioned in 1965
- Installed capacity: 4×9 MW (36 MW total)
- First reservoir-based hydroelectric project in Northeast India
Geographical Location
The lake is surrounded by the East Khasi Hills and lies along the Guwahati-Shillong route, making it easily accessible. The reservoir has transformed the region into a major hub for water sports and tourism.
Current Developments
Inland Water Transport Initiative
Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) are being prepared to develop Inland Water Transport (IWT) infrastructure on:
- Umiam Lake
- Umngot River (National Waterway-106)
These are marked as Meghalaya's first National Waterways, promising significant economic and tourism potential.
Environmental Protests
The Meghalaya government decided to exclude Lumpongdeng Island from a proposed luxury resort project following intense protests by environmental groups and local communities, highlighting the importance of ecological conservation in the region.
Other Notable Lakes of Northeast India
| Lake | State | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Sangetsar Lake (Madhuri Lake) | Arunachal Pradesh | High-altitude lake in Tawang; surrounded by snow-clad mountains |
| Palak Lake (Palak Dil) | Mizoram | Largest lake in Mizoram; part of Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot |
| Loktak Lake | Manipur | Largest freshwater lake in NE India; famous for phumdis (floating islands); hosts Keibul Lamjao National Park (only floating NP in the world) |
| Chandubi Lake | Assam | Near Garo Hills; attracts migratory birds; surrounded by forests and tea gardens |