Patila, Jan 22: In the wake of several complaints of encroachment and earth cutting activities leading to massive silting in the Telephone, Sukhna and Hollongi rivers, posing threat of floods in the Donyi Polo Airport,  Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner DC Jiken Bomjen  assured to form Task forces to curb the rampant encroachment and earth cuttings near the airport.
The decision was taken during a coordination meeting of the District Administration, District Police, Divisional Forest Office, student unions under Balijan division, PRI members ,goan buras and public under the initiation of the All PapumPare District Students Union (APPDSU).
This Task force will comprise of the administration , Police, Forest,PRI members, student leaders, GBs and a public representative as members.
Issues related to land encroachment  in the community land of Hollongi and Kokila and modalities to disseminate information about the rules and regulations pertaining to infrastructure developments in the vicinity of the airport were also elaborately discussed during the meeting. 
Reiterating the District Administration's will to tackle such illegal activities, DC Bomjen informed that ‘an order has already been issued on 10th of January,2024 which states that “NOCs for earth cutting shall be issued only after the committee surveys the site and approves it.”
He further assured to review all the prohibitory orders from time to time and directed the ADCs to be vigil.
DFO Tana Topu, while speaking about the rights and privileges in Reserve Forest areas for the locals informed that, “In reserve forest areas, there are often restrictions and regulations to protect the environment and biodiversity. Indigenous communities may have certain rights, but balancing conservation and human needs is crucial. It's essential to engage with local communities to ensure sustainable management and regulate economically viable activities in the reserve Forest areas.”
Speaking about the rampant encroachment and earth cutting activities, the DFO said that “without public support such illegal activities cannot be stopped,” and urged the locals to immediately report to the administrations of such activities. 
ADC Balijan Takar Rava called for coordinated efforts from all the stakeholders to tackle the menace of encroachment and monitor the earth cutting activities near the airport.
He also stressed on the need to improve the aesthetics along the highway stretching from the airport to the main road.
Tok Nanu, GS,APPDSU sought the list of the LPC holders of Hollongi and Kokila area citing that ‘such records will help the Task force in identifying defaulters easily.’
He also requested the administration to install earth cutting prohibitory signage at all the vital locations and carry out awareness activities regarding the ill effects of earth cutting. 
Nanu also said that “Rampant earth cutting at the hill sides could led to silting at the Assam side during monsoons , inundating agricultural land and there is likelihood of protest from Assam side in the future. Therefore we have to cautious and responsible.”
Nanu also requested the DFO to coordinate with the locals and Police to stop encroachments and earth cutting and requested the AAI Officials to consult the locals in any airport developmental activities. 
Tapash Nath , Air Traffic System Incharge, Airports Authority of India ,informed the gathering about the Airport Environmental Management system.
“NOC from the AAI has to be sought for any spatial constructions within 20km radius of the airport. No garbage can be dumped and no slaughter house can exist within the 10km radius of the airport,” he further informed. 
Nath also informed that NOCs from AAI can be applied online through the AAI’s portal.
The speakers unanimously called for stringent actions against those violating the District administration’s order and called for ban on earth cutting activities along the Telephone nallah.

---

Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

<< Back to News List