Jadav Payeng Highlights Mining Impact on Assam Floods
Conservationist Raises Concerns Over Flood Causes
Padma Shri Jadav Payeng interacting with the press, on Thursday. (AT Photo)
Jorhat, Aug 13: In light of the recent catastrophic floods that struck Upper Assam, renowned conservationist Jadav Payeng has pointed fingers at coal mining and stone quarrying activities in Nagaland as contributing factors to the disaster, which resulted in over 100 fatalities.
Known as the “Forest Man of India,” Payeng asserted that the extensive mining operations have transformed sections of Nagaland’s hills into “tunnels,” facilitating the rapid flow of water towards the plains, inundating areas that typically experience less flooding.
“The water did not follow the natural river paths; it came rushing down directly,” Payeng stated.
The Padma Shri recipient also criticized the Nagaland administration for the timing of their flood warnings, claiming alerts were only issued after the water had already begun to descend from the hills, leaving little time for residents to prepare.
“Why was there no advance warning from the Nagaland administration?” he questioned.
According to Payeng, the lack of timely alerts has exacerbated the destruction and loss of life in Upper Assam.
He advocated for the issue of floods and erosion to be recognized as a national concern rather than solely a state responsibility.
“Floods and erosion should not just be the state government's problem. It needs to be declared a national issue and addressed by the Central government. Only then can we find a solution,” he emphasized.
Payeng urged Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal to take action on this matter, highlighting his position within the Union government.
“We want floods and erosion to be acknowledged as a national issue and seek solutions for our plight,” he added.
Additionally, Payeng expressed his concerns regarding the Assam government's proposal to reduce the Kaziranga Eco-Sensitive Zone from 10 km to 1 km, warning that such a reduction would heighten human-elephant conflicts.
“If the buffer zone is decreased, conflicts between humans and elephants will rise. How can wildlife navigate a mere 1-km stretch?” he questioned.
He cautioned that shrinking the zone could endanger both wildlife and human populations, advocating for careful consideration before any decisions are made.
“Decisions should be made with thorough contemplation. In the event of severe flooding, even a 10 km buffer makes it challenging for animals to cross. Reducing it to 1 km could lead to fatalities among wildlife,” he warned.
Payeng called on the state government to rethink its proposal and implement long-term conservation strategies that ensure the movement and survival of wildlife during extreme flooding events.
His statements come as the Assam government investigates various potential causes behind what it has termed the worst flooding in Upper Assam in decades.
The government has suggested several factors, including a possible shift in flood risk from the Brahmaputra River to its tributaries and the impact of the Indian Ocean Dipole, a climatic phenomenon that can alter rainfall patterns. As the government continues its assessment, Payeng's comments have intensified scrutiny on mining and land-use changes in neighboring Nagaland in the ongoing discussion about the recent flooding in Upper Assam.