Begusarai: Social activist Medha Patkar on Friday visited the Kanwar wetland bird sanctuary area in Manjhaul to meet families from Musahar and fishermen communities who fear displacement from their original habitation due to the ongoing Kanwar bird sanctuary development project. She addressed a meeting organised by the local ‘Mushar Basti Bachao Sangharsh Samiti’ on the occasion.Addressing people, Patkar said the Kanwar wetland, declared a Ramsar site, is of international importance from an environmental perspective.“However, the wetland is known for the natural coexistence of nature and humans. Any move to bereft the Mushar and fishermen families from their natural habitat here is totally unjustified. They have been living in the wetland area for generations. The wetland has been their source of livelihood,” she said.She added the Land Acquisition Act of 2013 mandates participation of local gram sabhas before implementing such development projects. “Rehabilitation following displacement is not that easy as it often leads to discontent, confrontation and other serious issues,” she said.Stressing the delicate balance between ecology and local livelihood, Patkar said while the govt must take firm measures to preserve the environment, it also has the responsibility to protect the rights of the poor, deprived and marginalised.“The need of the hour is to stay united and non-violent while registering your protest. The government can not violate your rights,” she said.Affected families told her the project also involves shifting a school where their children study, which would create additional hardship for their education.The Narmada Bachao movement activist urged CM Nitish Kumar to ensure a proper and honourable life for the local Mushar and fishermen communities, who remain among the most deprived sections of society, before she left for Delhi.
