Faced with strong public opposition on the issue of coal mining at Dehing Patkai, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on May 20 asked the state forest minister to visit the sanctuary and take stock of the ground situation.
A communication from the chief minister’s office stated that, “In view of the reported public opposition appeared on a section of media with regard to purported attempt of coal mining at Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today (May 20) directed Environment & Forests Minister Parimal Suklabaidya to visit the sanctuary for taking stock of the ground situation there.”
The release mentioned that the chief minister said the Assam government is committed to protect the environment and biodiversity of the state and will not compromise with its stand in the name development initiatives.
“The government always underscored the need to sustain development in sync with its ecology…the environment and forests minister during his visit to the area will conduct a field study of the present condition of the wildlife sanctuary and apprise the government for the needful,” the release stated.
