The Nagaland government has said concerns of landowners and other stakeholders will be taken into account before moving ahead with oil exploration activities along the Assam-Nagaland border, PTI reported.
Nagaland Tourism and Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along said the state Cabinet had deliberated on the issue and was of the view that all concerns needed to be addressed.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of a BJP program in Kohima on Monday, Along referred to the Cabinet meeting held in Wokha on August 6 and said stakeholders in border areas likely to be affected by oil exploration would have to be considered in the decision-making process.
“The Cabinet is of the view that all concerns have to be addressed in every way,” Along was quoted as saying by PTI.
His remarks come amid demands from civil society organisations for wider consultations with villages and communities that could be affected by exploration activities. The Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) has also raised concerns over the proposed oil exploration in the border areas.
The issue follows the signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Centre, Assam and Nagaland in New Delhi on June 11 to facilitate mineral oil operations, including the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas, in areas along the Assam-Nagaland border.
While the agreement has been presented by the government as an opportunity to tap the region’s economic potential, community organisations have sought clarity on issues including land ownership, environmental safeguards, compensation and the rights of indigenous communities.
Concerns have also been raised by Naga groups over resource extraction in areas affected by the longstanding Assam-Nagaland boundary dispute.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet also reviewed progress on the proposed Foothill Road project, with Along saying discussions with the Centre, including the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, had focused on the proposed road widths of 30 metres, 18 metres and 12 metres.
The minister also said the government was reviewing the flood and landslide situation across Nagaland, with several areas reportedly suffering extensive damage in recent weeks.
He said the immediate priority was to assist affected residents and help them return to normal life. Areas including Mon, Tuli and parts of Tuensang have been severely affected by landslides and house collapses, with loss of lives and extensive property damage reported, he said.
(With inputs from PTI)
