Environment vs Humans: The Assam government has recently withdrawn a major proposal that could have had an impact on the state at many levels. The government had prepared a proposal for an integrated eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) spread over about 3600 square kilometers, which included eight protected areas. These included Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve as well as 10 additional areas. Along with this, Laokhowa, Burachapori, Nambor-Doigrung, Nambor, Garampani, East Karbi Anglong and the proposed North Karbi Anglong Wildlife Sanctuary also came under this purview. But now the government has withdrawn this proposal due to people’s concerns.
Livelihood of villages was at risk
This proposed ESZ included about 340 villages in five districts where about 5 lakh people live. A large number of these are from Scheduled Castes, Tribes and economically weaker sections who are mainly dependent on farming, tea gardens and other rural resources. Local people opposed the proposal as it was feared to affect their livelihood rights. Especially in those areas where the boundaries had not been decided yet, people were very confused that this zone might take away their land.
Tea gardens and schools would also be directly affected
The tea gardens spread in this area are spread over more than 8000 hectares of land and more than 25 thousand workers work in them. If ESZ was implemented, strict environmental control would be imposed on these tea gardens, which would not only affect the employment of workers but would also affect the economy of the state. Apart from this, there are hundreds of years old villages, schools, colleges, hospitals and other essential services here. It would also affect basic facilities like drinking water, irrigation and rural markets which are like a lifeline for the common people.
The government understood the sentiments of the people
During public hearings and discussions on this proposal, people openly put forward their views and objections. They said that if this zone was implemented, both their lives and land would be in danger. After this, the Assam government took the public’s concerns seriously and withdrew this proposal. The government says that it is committed to environmental protection but will give priority to the livelihood and social structure of the people before implementing any plan. With this decision, the local people have heaved a sigh of relief and expressed confidence in the government.
