JORHAT, Aug 1 � Passing a judgment on a public interest litigation (PIL) on July 29, the Gauhati High court imposed a fine of Rs 15,000 on the Government of India as the Planning Commission and the Government of India have absolutely no concern for the Brahmaputra Board and also over the problems faced by the people of Assam due to repeated floods caused by the Brahmaputra. This was revealed by Manoj Kr Bora, petitioner of the case and the president of Asam Yuva Parishad, at a press conference held at Jorhat Press Club this afternoon.
Addressing media persons, Bora said that the fine is to be paid to the Assam State Legal Services Authority by the Union of India within 10 days.
The Court, following the PIL filed by Majon Kr Bora at Gauhati High Court on September 27, 2010, imposed fines on as many as 15 departments of both Government of India and Government of Assam, including the Brahmaputra Board. The Court was not satisfied with the documents submitted by the Brahmaputra Board, which is in charge of the protection of Majuli since 2004.
On April 7, 2011 the High Court imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on the Government of India represented by the Ministry of Water Resources and also on the Brahmaputra Board for unnecessary adjournment caused by the lackadaisical attitude of these two respondents.
It may be mentioned that the Central government, since 2008, has not appointed chairman, vice-chairman and general manager of the board, which was criticized by the court.
The Brahmaputra Board, without a head, received funds of Rs 56.07 crore and Rs 115.03 crore respectively from the Government of India to protect Majuli. The Board failed to keep its promise to finish the whole work within 2012.