GUWAHATI, Feb 10: Thousands of tribals from Monha village in central Assam’s Morigaon district have pledged to block the state government’s plans to extract granite from Hatiutha Pahar, a site of immense cultural, ecological, and tourism significance.
Hatiutha Pahar is not just a biodiversity hotspot that supports diverse bird and wildlife species but also a sacred landmark for the local community. A recent soil test by the Directorate of Geology and Mining (DoGM) confirmed the presence of granite, prompting the department to float a tender (No. GM/ET/842/pt-1/1413) on August 14, 2024, for allocating three granite extraction blocks. The contract was awarded to a Kolkata-based firm owned by Bhaskar Sarma, a resident of Nagaon, Assam.
The project gained public attention when company officials visited the site just before Bhogali Bihu, sparking widespread anger. Since February 1, locals have staged continuous protests near Hatiutha Pahar, vowing to resist any attempt to exploit their land for commercial gain.
“We knew that a soil test had been conducted, but we had no idea about the granite deposits or the tender. When the contractor’s team visited and spoke to us, we immediately consulted our elders and decided to resist,” said Rubul Ronghang, a protestor.
Villagers from Bhakat Gaon, Mayong, Bongalbari, Borigaon, Nuagaon, Belguri, Barampur, and Kathalguri have joined the protests, intensifying calls for government intervention. Protesters have already submitted a memorandum to the Circle Officer and Morigaon District Commissioner, with plans to escalate their demands to Minister Pijush Hazarika.
“Hatiutha Pahar is more than a mountain—it symbolizes our history, culture, and identity. Instead of mining, the government should develop it into a tourism hub to showcase its natural beauty and religious significance,” Ronghang emphasized.
A protest meeting held under Jagiroad police station saw emotional appeals to protect the landmark. Chitra Bangthai, working president of the Karbi Cultural Society’s Morigaon District unit, said, “This mountain is tied to the emotions and dignity of our people. Under no circumstances will we allow excavation. If necessary, we will launch a massive agitation.”
Protesters argue that the government’s push for short-term profits overlooks the long-term environmental and community damage. Furthermore, it remains unclear whether the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has granted the necessary environmental clearances for the project.
Read: Assam Rifles flags of 13 days National integration tour for girls students of Arunachal Pradesh
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