6 days ago
Hingalganj Market Faces Livelihood Threat From Border Fencing
The government wants to build a fence along parts of the India-Bangladesh border near Hingalganj.
Because the border runs through rivers, the fence may have to be built along the riverbanks instead.
People who live and work nearby worry that their houses, shops and a very old market could be taken for the project.
They say the fence might be built as far as 300 metres from the river in some places.
Local residents estimate that nearly 30,000 people could eventually be affected.
Farmers, fishers and people who raise fish in waterbodies could also lose their livelihoods.
They are asking the government to protect homes and businesses while improving border security.
Government representatives and the BJP say the fencing is needed for national security and will continue.
Residents and traders fear land acquisition for fencing could displace homes, shops and the historic Hingalganj market.
The proposed fencing may extend beyond 150 metres from the Ichhamati riverbank, with residents alleging some areas reach 300 metres.
Local groups say the project could affect nearly 30,000 people, agricultural land, aquaculture waterbodies and fishing livelihoods.
State officials accompanied by Border Security Force personnel have begun demarcating land, prompting resistance in some locations.
The government and BJP insist fencing is essential for national security and say there will be no compromise on the project.
- Who
- Residents, traders, fishing communities and officials in Hingalganj are involved; the Hingalganj Byabasayee Samiti is leading the local protest.
- What
- The West Bengal government is surveying and acquiring land for border fencing along riverine stretches of the India-Bangladesh border.
- Where
- Hingalganj in North 24-Parganas, West Bengal, particularly along the Ichhamati and Kalindi rivers.
- When
- The exercise is at a preliminary stage, with land demarcation under way; 1,129 acres had been handed over by the third week of August, and Amit Shah discussed the initiative on August 21.
- Why
- The Union home ministry wants fencing where the international border runs through rivers, while residents fear displacement and loss of homes, businesses and livelihoods.
Residents and Traders
Government and BJP Supporters
Need for fencing
Residents and Traders
Residents and traders say they are not opposed to fencing but want national security measures that also protect their homes and livelihoods.
Government and BJP Supporters
The BJP and government representatives say fencing is essential for national security and that there will be no compromise on the work.
Land alignment
Residents and Traders
Residents allege that surveys may extend beyond the proposed 150-metre limit, potentially reaching 300 metres and affecting the market, homes and agricultural land.
Government and BJP Supporters
Officials say the land-acquisition process remains at a preliminary stage; the government has not publicly confirmed the disputed measurements in the report.
Compensation and displacement
Residents and Traders
Residents argue that financial compensation may not replace homes, businesses, aquaculture waterbodies or fishing-based livelihoods.
Government and BJP Supporters
The BJP’s Basirhat organising district president said problems in particular areas would hopefully be resolved and alleged that some political groups were trying to incite opposition for vested interests.
Key facts
- Historic market
- Hingalganj market is described as 243 years old and an important part of the region’s history.
- Disputed alignment
- Residents say the proposed acquisition may extend beyond 150 metres from the riverbank and reach 300 metres in some areas.
- Potential impact
- Local sources estimate that nearly 30,000 people could eventually be affected.
- Land already transferred
- By the third week of August, 1,129 acres had been handed over to the Border Security Force and Sashastra Seema Bal for fencing.
- North 24-Parganas transfer
- The district had handed over 241.03 acres covering 42.07 kilometres of border.
- Riverine border
- North 24-Parganas reportedly has about 131 kilometres of riverine border along the Ichhamati and Kalindi.
- Local response
- The Hingalganj Byabasayee Samiti submitted a memorandum to the district magistrate and block development officer.
Quotes
Jhantu Dasgupta
Hingalganj resident who fears losing his house and shop
“We understand that national security can’t be compromised. But the government should understand the serious survival crisis and displacement that could follow if land is acquired randomly. If land is acquired beyond 150 metres inside the river bank, the entire market will become history and a large number of people will be displaced.”
telegraphindia.com
“There may be problems (in certain areas, which will hopefully be resolved. But there will be no compromise on fencing work. Certain political groups are trying to incite people for vested interests, including those supporting smuggling activities, and this will not be tolerated.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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