Gauhati HC has questioned the Assam government's decision to transfer an entire district to a private company
The Gauhati High Court has questioned the Assam government's decision to transfer nearly 3,000 bighas of land in Dima Hasao district to a proposed Cement factory. The court termed the allotment as 'extra ordinary'.
During a recent hearing, Justice Sanjay Kumar Medhi expressed shock at the move, saying, "3,000 bighas! The entire district? What is going on? A private company (Mahabal Cements) being given 3,000 bighas? We know how barren the land is but 3,000 bighas? What kind of decision is this? Is this some kind of joke? Public interest, not private interest, is what matters."
The court directed the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) to place before it the official records and the policy under which such a vast tract was handed over. The company's counsel argued that the land was 'only barren land' and was essential for the functioning of the factory, claiming that the allotment was made pursuant to a mining lease granted under a tender process. Petitioners opposing the decision have alleged that several families in Dima Hasao are being evicted from land they lawfully possess for the project.
Dima Hasao is a sixth schedule under the Constitution. A senior official in Assam government said that the Kolkata based Mahabal Cement had signed an MoU for investment worth Rs 11,000 crore with the state during Advantage Assam 2.0 summit held in February this year. The disputed land, located in Umrangso, is also an environmental hotspot with hot springs, migratory bird habitats, and significant wildlife presence, the Court recorded. The Court said it would examine the allotment process in detail before passing further orders. The matter has been posted for further hearing on September 1.
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