Photo Courtesy: nenow
Guwahati: A push for an aerocity and satellite township near Guwahati airport has ignited fears of mass displacement. Indigenous communities in the Kamrup district claim more than one lakh people across 16 villages could lose their land. The Assam Cabinet approved the plan on June 13 to boost urban expansion.
The Guwahati Satellite Cities Development Authority will manage the project. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed plans for the area behind Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport. The move impacts parts of Palashbari and Sualkuchi. Local groups say the project site sits within a protected tribal belt.
The GMDA identified 2,662 bighas for immediate acquisition. This covers land in Pachaniara, Matikotuni, Jobe, Deorali, Jonglipara, and Kamargaon. Residents formed the Ucched Virodhi Bhumi Adhikar Sangram Samity to fight back. They demand the government stop the land grab.
UVBASS president Dharmeswar Boro claims the administration is favoring private interests. He stated, "If they go ahead with the proposal, more than one lakh people across 16 villages will be displaced." Boro alleges that nearly 500 families have already faced eviction.
Local farmers worry about their future. They claim fertile land is being handed to corporations. Adani Airport City Limited recently announced a massive investment plan including Guwahati. The Sangrami Krishak Shramik Sangha warns of protests if authorities ignore their grievances. They want the government to withdraw the acquisition notices immediately.
Comments