Guwahati: Opposition to the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority’s (GMDA) proposed township project in the Azara and Palashbari revenue circles intensified on Saturday after two citizen groups jointly demanded the withdrawal of the plan, citing fears of displacement and large-scale loss of agricultural land.The Sangrami Krishak Sramik Sangha and Sustha Samaj Bikash Chakra alleged the project prioritises corporate interests over local communities and claimed revenue department officials were conducting land surveys that they believe are linked to the township proposal.Dinesh Das, spokesperson of the Sangrami Krishak Sramik Sangha, told reporters, “A proposal has been made to acquire 2,662 bighas of land covering Pachania Para, Matikutuni, Daurali, Jangalipara and Kamargaon under the Azara Revenue Circle, along with 2,211 bighas of land in Maliata, Sathikarapa and Loch under the Palashbari Revenue Circle, and 1,096 bighas of land in Khena Alli Bari. Nearly lakhs of families would be affected if the acquisition moves ahead.”The groups also alleged that around 500 families have already been evicted due to the project. At the news conference, they called on the govt to cancel the township projects and halt the acquisition of agricultural land in tribal belt areas. “The evicted families must be compensated, and permanent land rights are to be granted to farmers and residents who have been cultivating lands for decades,” Das added.The organisations also urged protection of wetlands and agricultural land in the Azara and Palashbari circles and appealed to civil society organisations, student unions, legal advocacy groups and residents to mobilise support.The Assam govt and the GMDA are pursuing satellite township projects aimed at decongesting Guwahati and recently approved the Guwahati Satellite Cities Development Authority (GSCDA) to plan and develop the projects.Earlier, the state proposed an industrial township at Jagiroad along with an integrated industrial park linked to a planned semiconductor manufacturing investment. After protests by Tiwa and Bodo communities, the GMDA revised the Jagiroad Integrated Satellite Township plan by excluding villages in the Kiling Forest area, including Sindhishar, Bihita, Naldhara and Roumari. The industrial township is now proposed to be limited to the premises of the former Nagaon Paper Mill.
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