Residents of Arunachal Pradesh’s East Siang district are intensifying their agitation against a silicon factory located at the Niglok Industrial Growth Centre (IGC), citing neglect from the state government regarding their air and water pollution concerns. A recent protest was held by villagers and members of the IGC Pollution-Affected People’s Forum in front of the Ruksin Additional Deputy Commissioner’s office, where they submitted a memorandum and threatened to escalate their actions through an indefinite hunger strike if their demands for relocating the factory are not met.
Earlier discussions held in January involving East Siang district officials and local politicians urged residents to pause their protests pending the outcomes from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which is currently investigating the situation. These public representatives promised that measures would be established to alleviate pollution issues. However, the villagers remain unconvinced, arguing that the authorities have not implemented any substantial strategies to manage the factory’s emissions, which they claim pose severe health risks.
The protestors claim that the silicon factory, managed by Aether Alloys LLP, is a significant source of both air and water pollution in neighboring areas, reiterating their unyielding opposition to its operation in its current location. Additionally, the National Green Tribunal’s Eastern Zone Bench in Kolkata has recognized the pollution issue by taking suo motu cognisance, with hearings previously set for November 18 of the last year and January 23 of this year.
