Residents of Arunachal Pradesh’s East Siang district have vowed to continue their agitation against a silicon factory at the Niglok Industrial Growth Centre (IGC), alleging that the state government has failed to address concerns over air and water pollution. Villagers, along with members of the IGC Pollution-Affected People’s Forum, staged a protest in front of the Ruksin Additional Deputy Commissioner’s (ADC) office on Monday. During the demonstration, they submitted a reminder memorandum to the administration and warned that they would escalate their movement by launching an indefinite hunger strike if their demands are not met. The protestors are demanding that the factory be shifted from its current location. Earlier, in mid-January, officials of the East Siang district administration, accompanied by the local MLA and MPs, held talks with the agitating villagers. The leaders had urged them to suspend their protest and wait for the findings of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which is examining the matter. The public representatives had also assured that appropriate mitigation measures would be taken to address pollution concerns.
However, the villagers said they were not convinced by these assurances. They alleged that despite repeated appeals, the authorities have failed to implement any effective mitigation policy to control emissions from the silicon factory, which they claim is causing serious health hazards. The protestors further alleged that the factory, operated by Aether Alloys LLP, is responsible for both air and water pollution in the surrounding areas. They reiterated their firm opposition to the continued operation of the industry at the present site. Meanwhile, the Kolkata-based Eastern Zone Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken suo motu cognisance of the alleged pollution from the silicon factory at Niglok IGC. The tribunal had earlier scheduled hearings in the matter on November 18 last year and again on January 23 this year.
