GUWAHATI, Aug 13 - Forest and Environment Minister Atuwa Munda today informed the State Assembly that the families residing around Deepor Beel would not be affected even if it is tagged as an eco-sensitive zone.
Replying to a question by AGP MLA Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, Munda said that people�s interest would be safeguarded and the move is to conserve the site from all kinds of encroachment and threats.
�The Forest and Environment department along with the district administration have looked into all the issues. It will instead help the people residing in the fringe areas,� the Minister said, adding that the draft report is yet to be sent to the authorities concerned.
Unlike what is being said, the move will act as a deterrent for the industrialists who are planning big constructions around the area. A number of unauthorised constructions have already been demolished, Munda said.
He said that the government is committed to conservation of the Deepor Beel and all departments will be engaged to sort out the respective issues concerning the Ramsar Site.
He also assured the House that the Revenue department will be asked to look into the issue of granting land patta to the encroachers, as it has been alleged.
