Assam: A big controversy has emerged over the Matia Silk Farm in Assam’s Goalpara district. The news of rubber trees being planted in this government farm spread over about 300 bighas has raised concerns among the people. This farm was built in 1972-73 specifically for the purpose of cultivating ‘Som’ plants and cocoon rearing for Moga silk. The land here is registered in the name of ‘Muga Sumoni’ (VGR) which should be used only for silk rearing. The departmental records contain land allotment letters, maps and boundaries, but recently it has been confirmed that rubber trees are grown on some parts.
Failure of old schemes became the root of the controversy
This matter is related to the beginning of the 2000s when the land of this farm was given to several self-help groups under the ‘Sonali Dhara’ scheme during the tenure of the then Deputy Commissioner Archana Verma. These groups were allowed to grow other crops like sesame and lentils along with the cultivation of Moga. But these efforts were mostly unsuccessful and the groups abandoned their plans. Around 2010-11, an NGO called Green Valley started planting rubber trees instead of silk and claimed that it had received an allotment of about 90 bighas of land from the District Land Advisory Board (DLAB). But the silk department has no written proof of this.
Confusion over land boundaries
The silk department had conducted a physical survey between 2010 and 2012 which found that rubber trees had been planted on about 90 bighas of farm land. According to the department, there is no evidence that any legal allotment of this land for rubber cultivation has been made. The farm is surrounded by private leased land and there have been reports of encroachment by some landowners along the southern boundary of the farm. To prevent this, the department has dug trenches on the boundary and closed the roads. Recently, during a reporting, a cemetery was also seen within or on the side of the farm which was sold to a society but due to there being no entry way to that land, people pass through the farm land which further increases the dispute.
Public demanded transparent investigation and assurance of strict action
Local people have demanded a transparent and strict investigation on this issue. They have said that the farm land should be surveyed again. Also, the old and current documents of the land should be investigated so that it can be decided which land is in whose possession and whether it is legal. Also, the Revenue and Silk Department should clarify who was given the land for what purpose. District Deputy Commissioner Khanindra Chaudhary has assured the people that the basic structure and purpose of the farm will be maintained. If encroachment is found on any government land, then immediate eviction action will be taken.
