Digboi: The long-simmering anger against the ferro-silicon manufacturing unit at the Niglok Industrial Growth Centre (IGC) boiled over today as hundreds of villagers poured onto the streets, accusing authorities of failing to address what they describe as a mounting environmental and public health crisis.
The plant, operated by M/s Aether Alloys LLP, has become the focal point of one of the most intense grassroots agitations in East Siang district in recent times.
The government inaugurated the project on 10 December 2024 and showcased it as a major industrial leap forward for Arunachal Pradesh. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, led by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, has consistently promoted rapid industrialization as a cornerstone of its development agenda.
Officials projected the ferro-silicon unit as a symbol of economic transformation—expected to generate employment, attract investment, and strengthen the state’s industrial base. Senior officials described it as a milestone initiative aligned with the government’s vision of economic self-reliance and infrastructure expansion.
However, as protests intensify, sections of the local population are questioning whether authorities enforced adequate environmental safeguards before granting operational clearances. Protest leaders have openly urged the BJP-led state government to intervene directly, conduct a transparent environmental review, and ensure strict accountability if the company has violated pollution norms. They argue that while industrial growth is essential, it must not come at the expense of public health and ecological stability.
Residents from at least seven nearby villages allege that the plant’s operations have deteriorated air quality, with thick smoke emissions and fine particulate dust settling over homes, farmlands, and water bodies. They claim the fallout has disrupted daily life and damaged crops in the predominantly agrarian belt.
The possibility of cumulative environmental impact has deepened anxiety, especially amid reports that additional ferro-alloy units are seeking approval within the same industrial zone.
Health concerns have further fueled the agitation. Villagers report a noticeable rise in respiratory ailments, persistent coughing, breathing difficulties, and skin irritations, particularly among children and elderly residents. Many families say medical expenses have risen sharply and blame airborne pollutants for worsening health conditions. Allegations of possible water contamination have added urgency, with protesters demanding an independent scientific assessment.
Today’s protest marks a sharp escalation after months of mounting discontent. Earlier memorandums, demonstrations, and transport blockades near the Assam–Arunachal border had already signaled deep frustration. Protest leaders argue that district authorities and pollution control agencies failed to take decisive action despite repeated appeals. The authorities’ decision to allow the plant to continue operations despite complaints appears to have triggered today’s mob fury.
With slogans directed not only at the company but also at the state administration, pressure now rests squarely on Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s government to respond swiftly. Protesters have warned that they will intensify their agitation if the government does not take immediate steps—including relocating the plant, enforcing strict pollution monitoring, and publicly disclosing emission data.
As tensions remain high in Ruksin, the unfolding crisis has become a significant test of the BJP government’s commitment to balancing industrial development with environmental accountability.