Protest Against Barduar Satellite Township Temporarily Suspended

The long-standing protest against the proposed Barduar Satellite Township has been temporarily suspended following the submission of a formal petition to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The decision came after the Barduar Land Rights Joint Struggle Committee, along with various local communities from the Barduar Tea Estate, including tribal groups, submitted a written plea expressing unanimous opposition to the township project.

The resistance to the satellite township, planned for development in the Barduar Tea Estate area near Palashbari, has seen widespread support from residents who fear the project would displace indigenous communities and threaten local ecology. Protests have been ongoing for a long time, drawing attention to concerns over land rights, biodiversity, and the preservation of tribal belts.

CM Himanta Biswa Sarma acknowledged the protest, stating that there is no need for agitation if the public does not support the township. He shared that instead of protesting, people can simply submit a written statement declaring their stance. Following this assurance, local groups acted swiftly.

On July 3, representatives of the Barduar Land Rights Joint Struggle Committee and residents of the Barduar Tea Estate handed over the formal petition to the Chief Minister. The letter categorically stated their refusal to accept the Barduar Satellite Township project.

During a press conference organised by the committee, protest leaders reiterated their core demands. These include: immediate cancellation of the proposed satellite township, granting of rightful land titles to the inhabitants of the Barduar Tea Estate, protection of the designated tribal belt and block from encroachment, and conservation of the rich biodiversity of the Chandubi region, which is an ecologically sensitive zone in South Kamrup.

While the protest has been paused for now, the committee made it clear that the struggle will continue if their demands are not addressed.

Apart from the satellite township issue, the committee also submitted a complaint to the Chief Minister regarding the controversial power generation dams at Dora Beel and Kulshi. Residents allege that these dams pose environmental risks and threaten local livelihoods. They have called for immediate government intervention on both fronts to ensure that public interest and ecological balance are safeguarded.

The future of the Barduar Satellite Township remains uncertain, but the collective voice of the residents has, for now, led to the reconsideration of this controversial project. 

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