Several hundred villagers from seven villages in Ruksin, East Siang district, held a protest rally on Wednesday, demanding the relocation of a silicon factory operating in the Niglok Industrial Growth Centre (IGC) to a sustainable, non-residential area. The demonstrators included Ruksin ZPM Aruni Jamoh, representatives from the AdiSU, community organization members, and many village women, who gathered at the IGC playground before marching to the Ruksin General Ground to make their voices heard.
The villagers claim that the silicon factory, operated by M/s Aether Alloys LLP, is responsible for air and water pollution, posing significant health risks to residents of nearby villages and areas within the Ruksin sub-division. United under the banner of the ‘IGC Pollution-Affected People’s Forum,’ they had previously submitted a complaint to the East Siang Deputy Commissioner, urging for immediate intervention to address the hazards posed by the factory.
The forum also accused the factory of violating the Factories Act of 1948 and urged local authorities to take action against it. In response to growing concerns over pollution, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken notice of the issues raised about the factory.
After residents voiced their complaints, the state’s industries commissioner, Saugat Biswas, along with senior officials from various departments, visited the Niglok IGC in late April. Officials assured that directives would be issued to assess the pollution levels created by the factory, contending that steps would follow after technical experts conduct necessary tests.
However, villagers contend that no effective measures have thus far been implemented to mitigate the environmental pollution emanating from the factory. The IGC Pollution-Affected People’s Forum, led by president Opir Paron, later submitted a petition to the Chief Minister, demanding swift action to remove the factory.
The forum has also called on the government to stop the establishment of polluting industries in the IGC, remove stone crushers from the industrial area, promote only agro-based industry units, and establish green zones to combat industrial pollution. They warned that continued agitation would ensue if their demands are not adequately addressed by the authorities.
Original Source: https://arunachaltimes.in/index.php/2025/06/26/villagers-protest-seeking-relocation-of-silicon-factory-from-niglok-igc/
Category: State News
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Publish Date: 2025-06-26 01:13:00
