Amid protests, Himanta likely to drop 2 key infra projects

Guwahati: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma signalled Sunday possible cancellation of two major development projects, citing local opposition. A proposed 55-megawatt hydel project on the Kulsi river and a satellite township at Barduar - both near Guwahati and along the Meghalaya border - have drawn protests from indigenous groups worried about displacement and threats to their way of life. The Kulsi project, planned in collaboration with Meghalaya, would involve dam construction in the river's upper reaches and possibly displace around 10 villages. The Barduar township, set on about 1,500 acre surrounding a British-era tea garden in Kamrup district, would transform a largely tribal area into a suburban hub on Guwahati's outskirts.

"There are some people who love protesting," Sarma said on the sidelines of an event. "We, the two CMs (including Conrad Sangma of Meghalaya), want to build the dam for public benefit, to provide irrigation water. If they don't want it, they can just say so. But instead, there are speeches, protests, and the emergence of new leaders - this has damaged Assam." Sarma said govt would not push forward with either project against local will. On the Barduar plan, he said: "We've informed the assembly that if the people there oppose it, the township won't be built. Yet protests continue. What should we do with such agitators? I can't stop them from agitating." Tribal groups, including All Rabha Students' Union, have demanded land documents for long-settled families in Barduar, fearing eviction if the township proceeds. They said the project threatens their movement for inclusion in Sixth Schedule of Constitution, which would grant greater autonomy to Rabha-inhabited areas.