Guwahati: Silsako evictees protest Rs 213 crore wetland grant, demand rehabilitation

Staff reporter

Guwahati: Fresh protests erupted in Guwahati on Monday as residents displaced from the Silsako Beel area voiced strong opposition to the Assam government’s handling of their rehabilitation, following the Centre’s recent sanctioning of Rs 213 crore for the wetland’s rejuvenation under the PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana.

The Union Ministry of Jal Shakti’s announcement of the grant over the weekend has reignited public anger among families evicted during the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority’s (GMDA) controversial demolition drive. Protesters accused the state government of reneging on its promises of fair compensation and resettlement.

“We welcome the government’s concern for the wetland, but what about us? Where is the rehabilitation that was promised?” questioned a protester. “Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah assured us last week that our concerns would be addressed, yet we continue to receive only hollow assurances.”

Identifying themselves as indigenous inhabitants of the area, demonstrators condemned the eviction process as “inhuman” and discriminatory. “We are fenced out of our own land and treated like outsiders. If the government claims to protect the interests of indigenous people, why are we the ones left homeless?” said another protester.

Dissatisfaction with the compensation process remains high. Residents claimed that the financial aid being offered—ranging between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 10 lakh—is grossly inadequate. “Even the Chief Minister acknowledged that one katha of land here is worth Rs 7 crore. How can we rebuild our lives with such meagre sums?” a displaced individual asked.

The community has submitted formal demands, including Rs 5 lakh for thatched houses, Rs 15 lakh for Assam-type homes, Rs 25 lakh for RCC structures, and the allocation of one katha ten lechas of land per family.

Protesters also criticized the GMDA for its alleged mishandling of the eviction and compensation processes. They claimed official data remains incomplete and inaccurate, resulting in many legitimate residents being excluded from compensation lists. “We submitted detailed records ourselves, yet now we’re being asked to verify again. The confusion is entirely GMDA’s doing,” a resident alleged.

According to the protesters, while 1,203 homes were demolished during the eviction drive, fewer than 550 families have received any compensation. “Authorities say only 100 families are left to be compensated but refuse to release the official list. There is no transparency,” said a demonstrator. With tensions escalating, evicted families are calling for urgent intervention from the state government and demanding that their rehabilitation be prioritized alongside the wetland’s restoration.

Also Read: Assam: Plans discussed to rejuvenate Silsako wetland, JJM projects

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