From Our Correspondent
Tura, May 25: The Achik State People’s Front (ASPF) as well as youth Congress leader, Junebirth Marak, have expressed concern over the decision of the state government to carve out land from within the Balpakram National Park (BNP).
The state government, through a notification, had stated its intent on carving out 2.548 hectares as part of a road expansion project between Maheskola and Kanai under State Highway (SH) 4.
Through a statement, the ASPF expressed its dismay over the decision as it forms part of sacred grounds for Garos.
“Balpakram holds immense religious and cultural significance to our tribe, serving as a sacred sanctuary where our traditions and heritage are deeply rooted. The government’s approach to disregard our spiritual connection to this land is not only disrespectful but also reflects a blatant disregard for our indigenous rights,” said secretary Bernita Marak.
They added that they vehemently opposed any actions that threatened to desecrate sacred grounds and erode the cultural fabric of the community.
“We urge the government to reconsider its decision and engage in meaningful dialogue with our community to find mutually beneficial solutions that respect our religious beliefs and preserve the sanctity of Balpakram. Any further encroachment upon our ancestral lands will be met with fierce opposition and unwavering resistance,” the ASPF added.
Meanwhile, the youth Congress leader listed several reasons why the move was disadvantageous to the state and its people.
“The move has an ecological impact as it will disturb the habitat of numerous species and also disrupt ecological balance. Further, the highway expansion could still hinder the natural movement of wildlife. Roads often become barriers for animals, leading to higher mortality rates from vehicle collisions,” he said.
The Congress youth leader from EGH added that Construction activities, such as earth cutting and potential improper waste disposal, may lead to soil erosion and pollution of nearby water bodies, like the Kanai River. This can have cascading effects on the park’s biodiversity. The project, he felt, could also encourage encroachment into the BNP which could also encourage deforestation and poaching.
“Short-term economic benefits from road expansion may not outweigh the long-term ecological costs. The disruption to BNP could compromise its status as a protected area, affecting tourism and conservation efforts. Improved access through the highway might lead to increased human activities in the region, heightening the risk of human-wildlife conflict,“ felt Junebirth.
Both ASPF and Junebirth have sought a workable solution by the state government that does not impact BNP in any way.