Baghjan residents join green protest

Residents of Baghjan in Upper Assam, affected by the May 27 gas well blowout, have joined the chorus against the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020, saying the proposed changes could threaten the “existence” of people like them living in eco-sensitive zones.

Protesting against the delay in settling their compensation demand by July 27, as assured by the Tinsukia district administration, the affected people have included and flagged the EIA at their sit-in at one of the relief camps for the second straight day on Thursday.

“We want the EIA scrapped. Who better than us to convey what should be the proposed rules and regulations for setting up new projects, drilling or exploration of natural resources? We fear there will be more Baghjan-like situations/mishaps if the draft EIA is passed in its present avatar.