Guwahati, Sept 5: The Assam government has informed Gauhati High Court that the grant of 3000 bighas of land to a private cement company for mining in Dima Hasao district has been done by following due process of law even as the aspect of clearance from the Union ministry of environment would come at a later stage.
Notably, on the proposal of Mahabal Cements, the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) has allotted 3000 bighas of land for setting up an integrated cement factory on lease basis for a term of 30 years.
The High Court had, during an earlier hearing, had expressed concern over the “extraordinary” magnitude of allotment of land to the private company
The Court also questioned the rationality of the decision to grant such a huge area of land to a private entity for mining after noting that the area falls within the Sixth Scheduled district under the Constitution of India, where the priority has to be given to the rights and interests of the tribal people residing there.
The Advocate General (AG), Assam recently submitted before the Court an affidavit along with an office order, dated August 21, 2025, pertaining to the constitution of a three-member committee to conduct an inquiry on certain terms of reference, and the report of the committee, dated August 29, 2025.
However, the High Court noted that no inquiry as such was directed to be done by any order passed by the Court.
Nevertheless, the Court noted that the petitioners should be given a chance to respond to the affidavit filed by the state, and accordingly, granted three weeks for the same. The matter has been listed on September 24, 2025 for further hearing.
The AG has also produced the records of the NC Hills Autonomous Council and has submitted that a separate affidavit would be filed on behalf of the Council.