Assam: Tribal groups oppose "destructive" mining projects in Umrangso
Guwahati: A coalition of tribal organizations in Assam's Dima Hasao district has strongly opposed the proposed mining projects in Umrangso, alleging that they threaten the livelihoods and cultural heritage of the indigenous people.
In a letter to Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Karbi Students’ Association (KSA), Mining Area Affected People Association (MAAPA), and Kopili Area Mining Affected People Association (KAMAPA) expressed their concerns over the 1270-hectare mining project proposed by the Directorate of Geology and Mining, as well as the Garampani Coal mine project and the Mahvir Cement Pvt Ltd factory.
Communities Face Repeated Displacement
The organizations argued that the projects violate the rights of the tribal people under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees them autonomy over their land and resources. They highlighted the displacement and suffering caused by previous mining projects in the region, including the Kopili Hydro Electric Project and various cement factories.
The Karbi people, who were initially displaced in the 1970s by the NEEPCO Kopili Hydro Electric Project, have been forced to relocate multiple times due to industrial projects, including the establishment of cement factories such as Vinay Cement Ltd. and NECEM Cement Ltd. The letter describes how the displaced communities settled in new areas only to face further uprooting due to the expansion of mining and cement factories.
The proposed new mining lease, which covers 1270 hectares of land, directly affects many of these villages, including New Umrongso, Langmeklu, and Borolarpheng. The letter accuses the authorities of violating the land rights of the tribal people, who have historically depended on communal property and forests for their livelihood. "The mining companies have no regard for our community's connection to the land, which is sacred to us," the letter asserts.
Environmental Concerns
The tribal groups also raised concerns about the environmental impact of the proposed mining projects, citing potential deforestation, water pollution, and land degradation. They emphasized that the mining activities would disrupt the fragile ecosystem of the region and adversely affect the livelihoods of the local people who depend on agriculture and forestry.
"The exploitation of mineral resources in the name of mining and cement industries in Umrongso area caused wide range of environmental problems such as land degradation, deforestation, air, water and noise pollution etc," the letter read.
"The setting up of numbers of cement factories and mining in tribal areas of Umrongso adversely affected the ground water table which result the yield of water from the wells is reduced and the over ground water table highly decreased and many rivulets, streams and springs are dry up," it stated.
"Acid mine drainage, liquid effluents from limestone mining and cement factories handling plants, colliery workshops and mine sites as well as suspended solids from mine and factories washeries have all caused serious water pollution, adversely affecting fish and aquatic life and the dust emission from the factories caused serious air pollution," the groups added.
Health and Livelihoods at Risk
The tribal groups also expressed concerns about the health risks posed by ongoing industrial activities, citing increased air pollution, water contamination, and the spread of diseases like respiratory illnesses and cancer. The cement factories and mining activities have caused dust emissions and polluted water sources, putting the health of the local population in jeopardy, particularly vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.
The letter warns of a potential crisis of food insecurity, with the destruction of forests and farmland making it increasingly difficult for the Karbi people to maintain their traditional agricultural practices. The loss of community resources, coupled with displacement, has left many families struggling to access even basic necessities like clean water and firewood.
Appeal to Uphold Indigenous Rights
The groups are urging the government to take action to protect their constitutional rights, as enshrined under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which provides special protection to tribal communities in the Northeast. They are also calling for a reassessment of resettlement and rehabilitation efforts, noting that many of the displaced families have not received adequate compensation or assistance to rebuild their lives.
Demand for Cancellation
The organizations urged the Chief Minister to intervene and cancel the proposed mining projects, citing the negative consequences for the tribal people and the environment. They called for a comprehensive review of the government's mining policies and a focus on sustainable development that respects the rights and livelihoods of indigenous communities.
(With input from Suroj Barman in Haflong)