Storm over Mayong’s Hati Utha Pahar: Hasty Granite Mining Bid Raises Red Flag on Transparency

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In a move that has raised serious eyebrows, the Assam government has invited bids for a granite mining project in Hati Utha Pahar near Mayong, sparking concerns about the project’s environmental and social impacts on the local community. The move has been criticized for being opaque and dismissive of the concerns of the affected villagers, who were expected to be consulted and informed about the project’s development.

According to sources, no public hearing was held before the e-auction notice was issued by the geology and mining directorate, a crucial step in the process of environmental clearance for developmental projects of this nature. Moreover, the Morigaon district administration was kept in the dark about the project, with the mandatory NoC (No Objection Certificate) not obtained from the district commissioner.

The local villagers, mostly tribal people, were taken aback when they found out about the project through e-auction advertisements in newspapers. “We feel that our concerns about livelihood, environment, and cultural issues have been ignored,” said Pardip Bangthai, a village elder. “The hill belongs to us, and we are the most important stakeholders. It’s shocking that we were kept in the dark about the project.”

The project has raised concerns about the potential environmental impacts, including the destruction of the hill and its surrounding ecosystem, as well as the loss of agricultural activities, fisheries, and cultural heritage. “Granite mining can’t just destroy the hill, but also significantly affect our livelihoods, as well as our cultural identity,” said Akshay Bangthai, a local farmer.

According to a local resident, a public complaint was filed with the Morigaon district commissioner’s office and forwarded to the directorate of geology and mining, but it went unanswered. The lack of transparency and consultation has left the villagers feeling frustrated and anxious about the project’s potential consequences. As one local resident put it, “This is a critical situation for us, as we are already dealing with limited resources and limited livelihood opportunities.”

The Assam government’s bid for the granite mining project has sparked widespread criticism, with the main opposition party demanding a thorough review of the project and a public hearing to address the concerns of the local community. The government’s move has also raised concerns about the environment and the potential impacts on the local economy.

The controversy surrounding the project has highlighted the need for effective consultation and public engagement in the decision-making process, particularly in cases where environmental and social impacts are significant. As one local leader observed, “Public hearings provide a space for people to express their concerns and for the government to listen. In this case, the government has failed to uphold this fundamental principle of democratic governance.”

Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/assam/hasty-granite-mining-bid-in-mayongs-hati-utha-pahar-sparks-transparency-concerns-1572250
Category : Assam,Featured
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Publish Date: 2025-03-25 15:48:00