Guwahati: The Boro Diaspora Forum (BDF), a non-political and non-profit organisation representing the Boro community, has strongly opposed the Assam government’s decision to allocate approximately 3,000 bighas of land in Kokrajhar district for a proposed thermal power project by the Adani Group.
The land in question is situated in the Banshbari-Paglijhora area, which falls under the Sixth Schedule Bodoland Territorial Region, administered by the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC).
The BDF has raised concerns that the decision undermines tribal land rights guaranteed under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The organisation argues that the transfer of land, made free of cost and in perpetuity, amounts to alienation of tribal land and denial of indigenous people’s access to natural resources. BDF President Pinuel Basumatary has termed the move a blatant overreach by the State government, infringing on the autonomy of the BTC and generating widespread resentment among residents.
The forum has highlighted several issues, including the lack of public consultation and mandatory clearances such as environmental impact assessments and permissions from wildlife authorities. The BDF has warned of ecological and health hazards posed by the coal-based thermal plant, including groundwater contamination, air and water pollution, and cumulative impact on the fragile region.
The BDF has also questioned the justification for handing over land to a power distribution company instead of a generation firm, challenging the state’s job creation claims. “Nine existing Adani thermal power plants collectively employ only 3,315 people — how can this one project alone promise 10,000 jobs?” the forum has asked.
As an alternative, the BDF has urged the government to consider other sites, including lands recently cleared of encroachment, for such industrial ventures. The organisation has reiterated its call for transparent, inclusive decision-making that respects constitutional safeguards and protects the interests of indigenous communities.
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