Guwahati: Debabrata Saikia seeks ST Commission’s Intervention into Barduar Township Project

Staff reporter

Guwahati: Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly, Debabrata Saikia, has written to the Chairperson of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) urging immediate intervention in the proposed satellite township project at Barduar Tea Estate near Palasbari. Saikia warned that the unilateral move by the Assam government could severely affect the rights and livelihoods of indigenous communities residing in the area.

In the letter Saikia said, “I wish to draw the attention towards the proposed township project in Barduar Tea Estate under the Palasbari revenue circle by the Government of Assam. The land on lease for 99 years to the Barduar Tea & Timber Co. Ltd. was allotted to people affected by the flood, because the land allotted previously to the company was not utilized for tea. The victims from the flood received periodic patta by paying a premium, and were subsequently registered in their names.”

Saikia further mentioned, “A memorandum was submitted to the Chief Minister of Assam through the Circle Officer, where they raised the concern for 2100 families residing in the area for generations. The displacement for the project would pose threats to the culture, language, and socio-economic fabric of the indigenous Rabha, Garo, and other populations belonging to the Scheduled Tribe. Approximately 600 families possess kacha khatian (a preliminary version of the official land ownership document), which can be considered proof of their landholding in the locality of displacement. This region holds historical importance as the former site of the Rabha Kingdom of Barduar; however, the Government of Assam neglected its responsibility to provide adequate land.”

The letter stated, “A promise was made in 2021 to indigenous people for discussion to occur with the MLA-elect Hemanga Thakuria in December 2024, promising land pattas to the people. However, there has not been any significant commitment observed towards the community or the rightful landholders, except for the proposal in the Annual Budget 2025–26 tabled before the State Assembly by the Government of Assam to build Barduar as a satellite township of Palasbari as one of the urban centres in the state. The state Government’s decision faced opposition from the Rabha community, who protested the decision and the Government’s failure to conduct a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to evaluate and mitigate potential impacts on local ecosystems, including wetlands, forests, and tea plantations.”

Saikia alleged that the government’s plan bypasses legal safeguards, including the Assam (Temporary Settled Areas) Tenancy Act, 1971, and protections enshrined under Schedule VI of the Constitution, as well as the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. He cited violations of Sections 3(1)(f) and 4(3) of the Act, which pertain to unlawful land occupation and dereliction of duty by public servants.

Saikia further said, “In the concurred decision by the Apex Court with the Gauhati High Court, any eviction by the relevant authority requires identifying evictees eligible for relocation and rehabilitation. The authorities must provide basic civil liberties at the relocation site. Furthermore, I sought clarification from the Leader of the House and the Chief Minister, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, regarding the objections voiced by the local communities in Palasbari against developing a satellite township in protected land during the special session of the Assembly. Although Dr. Sarma offered a denial, a press release issued by the Assam Directorate of Public Relations contradicts his statement, indicating satellite township development at the Barduar Tea Estate near Palasbari.”

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