Carrisa kopilii

A hydroelectricity project in the river is threatening the wild berry species called Carrisa kopilii according to a new study.

About the Plant

Carrisa kopilii is a species of wild berry noted for its medicinal purposes. It is found at altitudes of 85 to 600 metres above the sea level. It grows in the Kopili riverbed in Meghalaya and Assam, in rocky crevices. It is a ‘sun loving’ plant that yields flowers in August to October period and fruits in November to January period.

River Kopili

River Kopili is an interstate river in north-eastern part of India. It is one of the tributaries of River Brahmaputra. It flows through Assam and Meghalaya. It originates on the Meghalaya Plateau and drains into the River Brahmaputra. It flows for about 290 km.

Kopili Hydroelectric Project

The recent study blamed the hydroelectric project on the river and the practice of coal mining in the vicinity for the plant’s drop in numbers. The Kopili Hydroelectric Project is a 275 MW project that was opened in 1984. The coal mining has turned the Kopili River water acidic.