No villages or private land affected in Bashbari project: BTR CEM Pramod Boro

The Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) government convened a high-level meeting in Kokrajhar to address growing concerns over the alleged land transfer to the Adani Group in Bashbari, located in the Parbatjhora subdivision of the district. 
 

The discussions centered on environmental impacts, land ownership, and the socio-economic implications for the local population.
 

Held at the BTC Secretariat, the closed-door meeting brought together several key stakeholders, including the All Bodo Students' Union (ABSU), officials from the Adani Group, the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL), and senior administrative authorities.
 

The meeting was chaired by BTR Chief Executive Member Pramod Boro and was attended by MLA Lawrence Islary, BTR Executive Members Ranjit Basumatary (Forest) and Wilson Hasda (Land Revenue), ABSU President Dipen Boro, Adani Group representative Kunal Hazarika, along with top district officials including the Superintendent of Police, Circle Officer, and Sub-Divisional Officer.
 

A major focus of the discussion was the ongoing public protests against the proposed power project in the area and confusion regarding the land allocation map.
 

Following the meeting, BTR CEM Pramod Boro clarified that the Bashbari project does not involve any village, privately owned land, or agricultural property. He further announced that the allocated land area has been reduced from 3,600 bighas to 3,400 bighas, keeping public welfare in mind. "We need industries for the development of the region," he emphasized.
 

He assured that the proposed development is taking place on government land and highlighted that the project could create employment opportunities for 8,000 to 10,000 individuals from the local area.
 

Supporting this claim, ABSU President Dipen Boro stated that the student body is not opposed to development but firmly believes it should not come at the cost of harming local communities. He noted that crucial issues—such as the livelihoods of indigenous people, and concerns over water and air pollution—were seriously addressed during the meeting.
 

The land transfer issue has sparked significant debate among local residents and environmental groups, prompting the BTR government to take a more transparent and consultative approach. While official assurances have been made, public scrutiny continues, with stakeholders calling for greater accountability and full disclosure regarding the project.