Roll back decision on Amchang eviction, Debabrata Saikia tells Suklabaidya

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Leader of the Opposition Debabrata Saikia has written a letter to State Environment and Forests Minister against the notice issued by the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Guwahati Wildlife Division, on May 8, giving a deadline of 15 days to all encroachers in the Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary to free wildlife lands under their illegal occupation. The notice specifically stated that the encroachers have constructed houses or set up establishments within the sanctuary.

In his letter, Saikia appealed to Minister Parimal Suklabaidya to intervene and rollback the decision of the eviction drive. Saikia stated that earlier the government had conducted an eviction drive at the Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary which created controversy. Saikia said, "During the Assembly sessions I raised questions regarding the eviction in Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary. To my response, then revenue minister informed that the Jana Shimolu village in Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary is a non cadastral village. However, the forest department has been demanding that the village comes under their area. Thus, a committee was formed to inquire whether the village comes under the forest department or the revenue department. According to a report submitted by the committee which included MLA Ranoj Pegu and Bhuban Pegu, Jana Shimolu comes under the revenue department. But the Forest Department neglected the report and asked the Survey of India to determine the boundary of the Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary. Later the Gauhati High Court directed the Forest to complete the survey within November 2019. However, till date the survey report has not been submitted to the court."

Saikia argued that the encroachment issue of Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary is currently in the hands of the judiciary. Saikia questioned - If the forest department is coming forward to conduct the eviction drive, and then is it not contempt of court?  

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