Issues relating to land and environment
SHILLONG: In line with the guidelines of the National Green Tribunal, the National Alliance of People’s Movement on Saturday asked the state government to devise a mechanism which would involve community participation in issues concerning land and environment.
Addressing a press conference here on Saturday, national convener of the National Alliance of People’s Movement, Prafulla Samantra impressed upon the need to consider public participation as mandatory before taking any decision which affects the people and the ecosystem.
“Considering the danger that awaits the state in terms of rampant environmental destruction due to mining and forceful land acquisition, it is high time for the government to consider empowering the village dorbar with the authority to decide on such matters,” Samantra said.
Stating that the State is rich in mineral resources, Samantra, however, allegedly that land is being forcefully snatched away by companies through various means, one being money. “At least 80 per cent of the land owners should give their nod before giving consent to any company to carry out mining activities in the state,” he suggested.
The convener of the national movement was also of the view that people should be encouraged to question the Central and State governments on issues that directly concern them.
With 20 hydel projects set to be introduced in Meghalaya, Samantra said the State will suffer if proper assessment is not done and views of the affected people are not taken into consideration.
Samantra also impressed on the need to have a strong vibrant women’s movement in the state to facilitate the men in the decision making process considering the matrilineal custom Meghalaya follows. “Women have s strong role to play in decision making,” he added.
Meanwhile, the convention of the National Alliance of People’s Movement which was held recently discussed various issues faced by several states.
In respect to Meghalaya, the convention resolved to urge the state government to take the consent of the people before giving a nod to the companies to exploit the natural resources of the state. The convention also advocated ban on mining activities until an accumulative impact assessment is done. Narrating the discussion, RTI activist Angela Rangad said that the convention also resolved to demand the state government to come out with an energy plan and policy to ensure that the ecosystem and the people at the grass root level are not harmed.
“Before drafting this policy, we want the government to seriously take the views and suggestions of the people into consideration,” Rangad said.