The Gauhati High Court has raised significant concerns regarding the allotment of nearly 3,000 bighas of land in Dima Hasao, Assam, to Mahabal Cements, citing tribal rights and environmental issues.
In a recent hearing, the Gauhati High Court questioned the allotment of a substantial tract of land in the Dima Hasao district of Assam to Mahabal Cements. The land in question spans nearly 3,000 bighas and is intended for mining operations.
Justice Sanjay Kumar Medhi expressed his astonishment at the scale of the land grant, stating, “3,000 bighas! The entire district? What is going on? 3,000 bighas allotted to a private company? We know how barren the land is… 3,000 bighas? What kind of decision is this? Is this some kind of joke or what? Your need is not the issue; the public interest is the issue.”
The judge emphasized the significance of the land’s location, noting that it lies within Dima Hasao, a district governed by the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This provision mandates that the rights and interests of local tribal communities must be prioritized in land use decisions.
Umrangso, the specific area involved in the allotment, is recognized in court records as an environmental hotspot. It is home to hot springs and serves as a crucial stopover for migratory birds and various wildlife species, raising further environmental concerns regarding the proposed mining activities.
In response to the court’s inquiries, the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) has been directed to provide documentation detailing the policy and process that led to the land’s allotment to Mahabal Cements. The court has scheduled the next hearing for September 1, where these records will be reviewed.
The observations made by the court were prompted by arguments presented by the legal counsel representing Mahabal Cements. The counsel contended that the land allocated was barren and essential for the operational needs of the cement plant.
This case highlights the ongoing tension between industrial development and the rights of indigenous communities, as well as the need for careful consideration of environmental impacts in land use decisions.
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