Media conference on natural resources held
Source: The Sangai Express
Guwahati, February 11 2017:
A one day media conference on 'Governance of natural resources and conflict in North East region' was organised by Actionaid Association Guwahati Regional office in collaboration with Canada Fund for Local Initiatives along with a group of independent journalists at Hotel Brahmaputra conference hall, Guwahati today.
Sanjib Baruah (Professor of Political Science in Bard college New York) and Nitin Sethi (Senior Associate Editor of Business Standard) were the main speakers.
Speaking at the function, Sanjib Baruah said that conflict over the natural resources in North East States is mainly destroying the environment in the name of hydro electric power projects and mining natural resources.
He pointed out that the North East States are trapped in a cycle of slow but steady violence in the name of development where most of the projects have failed.
"These so called development projects are initially hyped but usually fails even after investing huge amount of money.
Construction of many dams in the North East States have failed and only the people are suffering in the long run", he added.
Nitin Sethi said, "Many hydro electricity power projects have failed as they are destroying the environment in the long run.
Most of the natural resources are being mined by corporate or businesses.
Before taking up any major projects, proper analysis should be done" .
Journalists from various North East States highlighted the major problems including mining of natural resources, construction of dams for hydro electricity power projects, killing and poaching of wild animals, destroying forest and environment in the name of development, he added.