Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi on Friday, December 29 urged State governments across India not to carry out eviction drives in winter when people are most vulnerable and left to suffer in the cold. Making a Zero Hour mention, Gogoi further requested the Minister of Environment and Forests to issue a directive to State governments that people of all revenue villages falling under eco-sensitive zones in various wildlife sanctuaries of Assam should be rehabilitated in a proper manner with adequate compensation and provisions for their education and shelter.
Stating that the recent eviction which took place at Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam in the peak of winter is insensitive and inhuman, Gogoi said children studying in schools were forced to abandon their preparation for examinations and the elderly were forced to sleep in the open at night.
“These marginalised communities who are displaced are victims of flood, land loss and erosion. Yet, they were treated as unauthorised occupants by the insensitive government. I request the Ministry of Environment and Forests that revenue villages, which have been classified under the eco-sensitive zone of wildlife sanctuary, need to be rehabilitated in a proper manner,” he added.
(Sources)