Social activist Cherian Momin has written to the Chief Minister to express “profound dismay” and opposition to the plan by the state government to appropriate 2.548 hectares of land from the Balpakram National Park in Garo Hills for the expansion of State Highway 4 from Maheshkola to Kanai.
“Balpakram holds immense religious and cultural significance for the Garo community,” Momin said. “It serves as a sacred sanctuary where our traditions and heritage are deeply rooted. Any actions that threaten to desecrate these sacred grounds erode the cultural fabric of our community. The government’s approach to disregard our spiritual connection to this land is not only disrespectful but also reflects a blatant disregard for our indigenous rights.”
The ecological impact of this project cannot be overstated, Momin added. The road expansion will, he said, disturb the habitat of numerous species and disrupt the ecological balance, become a barrier for animals and lead to higher mortality rates from vehicle collisions, cause soil erosion due to construction activities, increase pollution of nearby water bodies, with “cascading effects on the park’s biodiversity” and even encourage encroachment on the BNP, leading to deforestation and poaching.
“Short-term economic benefits from road expansion may not outweigh the long-term ecological costs,” the CM was told. “Disruption to the BNP could compromise its status as a protected area, affecting tourism and conservation efforts. Improved access through the highway might lead to increased human activities in the region, heightening the risk of human-wildlife conflict.”
