Barduar Residents Stand Firm: No Satellite Township on Tea Estate Land

Tensions continue to rise in the Barduar Tea Estate region as residents and local leaders have categorically rejected the proposed satellite township project initially announced by Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma. At a press conference held by the Barduar Bagan Land Pattani Demand Committee, members declared in unambiguous terms that a township will not be allowed on the Barduar Tea Estate under any circumstances.

The controversy stems from the Chief Minister's announcement 28 days ago regarding the development of a satellite township on the estate’s land, which triggered fear and unrest among the roughly 2,100 tribal families residing in the area. However, hope was partially restored on June 9 when, during a one-day session of the Assam Assembly, the Chief Minister informed the public that the Barduar township project would be dropped and replaced by the Palashbari Township project instead.

Despite this announcement, local communities remain anxious and are pushing for formal guarantees and legal assurances. The press conference reaffirmed their position, demanding a complete and irrevocable cancellation of any township plans in the Barduar region. The committee thanked Assam's Urban Development Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah for his responsiveness to public concerns and welcomed the city council's promise to arrange a meeting between the committee and the Chief Minister to discuss the matter further.

At the heart of the protest lies the concern for tribal rights, ecological balance, and livelihood security. The Committee’s list of demands includes:

●    Permanent land leases for all classes of people living in the Barduar Tea Estate.
●    Protection of the tribal belt and block, which is vital for preserving the social and cultural integrity of the indigenous communities.
●    Conservation of Chandubi Lake, a biodiversity-rich ecosystem and a source of local pride.

To further consolidate their resistance, the citizens have announced a mass public meeting to be held on July 24 at 10 a.m. Organisers are calling upon intellectuals, political leaders, and supporters from across Assam to stand in solidarity with the people of Barduar.

“The residents of this area clearly state that they don't want this township,” a representative of the committee said firmly. While the government’s verbal assurance to shift the township elsewhere has been met with cautious optimism, locals are determined to ensure that their land and rights are safeguarded through concrete action, not just statements.

With livelihoods, cultural identity, and ecological sanctity at stake, the Barduar Tea Estate community has drawn a firm line in the sand, vowing to resist any attempts at displacement in the name of development.

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