Tura, Dec 18: The decision of the GHADC to raise funds by its executive decision to auction off the reserves “by felling mature trees” appears to be an extreme step considering the host of negative impacts least of all not only the destruction of the flora and fauna, the catastrophic impact it might visit on the water tables but also that the clearing of forests will be a boon for illegal squatters by illegal immigrants.
The GSU alleged that this add to the corruption that will entail where not only mature trees of 600 or 800 will be cut down but which could lead to the virtual total destruction of forest reserves. This apprehension is no mere construction of an idle mind because unscrupulous businessmen who have been awarded the auction will act with impunity having gained an excuse and an acknowledgement to legally fell trees.
The GSU does not see this particular decision of the GHADC to be prudent and wishes to convey to the GHADC that alternate ways for rising of funds are evolved and improvised upon. We all know the negative impacts of deforestation and can regale on the choicest criticisms about how deforestation brings about climate change, desertification, soil erosion, fewer crops, and flooding, increased green house gases in the atmosphere but to us one of the biggest fears is how it could bring on a host of problems for the indigenous peoples.
The damage done in the long run will be irreparable as in some places it will aid influx by giving the chance to illegal immigrants to settle in the cleared forest areas. The GHADC cannot simply brush away this apprehension because in many GHADC reserved land there are illegal squatters case in point the Medipara where there are not only squatters but illegal rubber plantation, stone quarries etc and other activities abound.
The Forest reserves in Naguapara and Phulbari range have been a good deterrent to squatters of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants. Should this forest be cleared the danger is stark and real which will be a clear and present danger because it will aid in the drastic demographic change of the region further. GSU is highly sceptical about this particular decision of the GHADC and is determined to oppose it.
The GHADC should instead take radical steps to streamline its revenue collection and put into action a deterrent law where corruption in its financial system must be tuned to ward off revenue leakages. There are complaints galore that the revenue collected by the district council is siphoned off before it even reaches the cashier department where money is withdrawn frequently and illegally.
Instead of evading and sidelining this actual problem the GHADC must eschew “quick cash policies” before irreparable damage is done not only to the environment but stop abetting influx because this could spiral clumsily but certainly into a problem of existential threat for the Garos.
Today 800 mature trees will be cut from the reserve to tackle the self created financial problem, the question now is how many more trees will be cut in the future by GHADC to meet its financial crisis. If the GHADC wishes to solve a problem by creating more problems like deforestation, abetting influx, destruction of water tables, creating spaces for squatters etc the GSU will fight tooth and nail against such policies. GSU will not be a mute spectator.
In Garo Hills, Tura is a template for water shortage where the people have to rely upon private water distributors for adequate water supply. Every year the GSU attends meetings where the main discussion is water shortage and environment and the core solution is purported to be reforestation, riparian reforestation and taking care not to further damage the water table and water catchment areas.
The GSU said that they are witnessing an awry climate change in Garo Hills where one of the wettest tropical areas of India is virtually facing a drought receiving lesser rainfall than it was supposed to. In the light of all these eye openings the decision of the GHADC to fell trees in forest reserves will be vehemently objected to.
The GSU is urging the district council to stop acting as a spoiled child and stop its tantrums with short sighted policies. If push comes to a shove the GSU is ready to push back. No! The GHADC must withdraw its executive decision to fell trees from the reserved forest or be ready to face any kinds of agitation. We warn the GHADC that should it not take our appeals seriously it will face the stiffest opposition from the GSU. Said mr Tengsak G Momin president of the GSU in the press statement today.
