The Gauhati High Court has raised serious concerns regarding the Assam government's decision to transfer nearly 3,000 bighas of land in the Dima Hasao district to Mahabal Cements, a private company, for a proposed cement factory. The court termed the allotment "extraordinary". Justice Sanjay Kumar Medhi voiced strong reservations during a recent hearing, questioning the rationale behind allocating such a vast tract of land to a private entity.

Justice Medhi exclaimed, "3,000 bighas! The entire district? What is going on? 3,000 bighas allotted to a private company? We know how barren the land is… 3,000 bighas? What kind of decision is this? Is this some kind of joke or what? Your need is not the issue, the public interest is the issue". The court's remarks underscore concerns about the potential disregard for public interest in favor of private gain.

The High Court directed the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) to present official records and the policy under which the land was handed over. The court seeks to examine the justification for allocating such a large area, especially considering Dima Hasao is a Sixth Schedule district under the Constitution, where the rights and interests of indigenous tribal communities must be prioritized.

The company's counsel argued that the land was "only barren land" and essential for the factory's operations, claiming the allotment was made under a mining lease granted through a tender process. However, petitioners opposing the decision allege that several families in Dima Hasao are being evicted from land they lawfully possess for the project.

The court also noted the ecological importance of Umrangso, the site of the proposed factory, which is known as an environmental hotspot with hot springs, migratory bird habitats, and diverse wildlife. This raises concerns about the potential environmental impact of the project.

The Assam government has yet to provide a comprehensive explanation for why such a large area was deemed necessary for one company. The court has directed authorities to submit policy documents and records to justify the allotment at the next hearing, scheduled for September 1.

The controversy has sparked political reactions, with opposition parties accusing the government of crony capitalism and disregarding tribal sentiments. A Congress delegation submitted a memorandum to the Governor, alleging that the government was attempting to transfer up to 9,000 bighas to a corporate group with ties to the ruling BJP.

The Gauhati High Court's intervention highlights concerns about transparency, tribal rights, and environmental protection in the land allotment process. The court will examine the allotment process in detail before passing further orders. The case is likely to fuel further debate over development priorities and the safeguarding of tribal and ecological interests in Assam's Sixth Schedule areas.