Guwahati: Residents of Nobdi Longkukro and other downstream villages in Umrangso in Dima Hasao district have objected to the proposed use of Longku Nalla water by M/s JK Mahalaxmi Cement Ltd, challenging the No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued by the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC), Haflong.
The villagers submitted a memorandum of objection to the Pollution Control Board Assam (PCBA) ahead of a public hearing at the Football Ground in Umrangso on the proposal for pollution clearance for the cement plant and a limestone block at Hanjanglangso village.
According to the memorandum, Longku Nalla is the principal water source for several downstream habitations, including Boro Langklam, Krangmenglangso, Boro Longku, Dima Longku and Longku Bazar.
The villagers said residents depend on the stream for drinking, cooking, bathing, washing and other domestic needs, particularly during the dry season. They added that livestock and wildlife in the surrounding areas also depend on the water source.
The objectors have raised concerns over the possible impact of the proposed industrial unit on Longku Nalla. They alleged that cement manufacturing could generate process effluent, kiln and cooling water discharge, oil and grease, as well as dust and particulate matter, which could potentially reach the stream through surface runoff.
The villagers also pointed out that the use of Longku Nalla as the proposed water source is currently before the Gauhati High Court in Writ Petition No. 3600/2026, Nobdi Longkukro Village versus M/s JK Mahalaxmi Cement Ltd.
They argued that the issue is therefore sub judice and should not be decided through the proposed pollution clearance process while the writ petition remains pending.
The memorandum further alleged that villagers whose consent the NCHAC’s NOC purportedly represents were not consulted. It said the NOC did not reflect the views of affected communities at the source or downstream.
The villagers have asked the PCBA to treat the NOC relating to the use of Longku Nalla as invalid for clearance purposes and withdraw it.
They have also sought deferment of any decision concerning the water source until the Gauhati High Court disposes of the pending writ petition.
Among their other demands are an independent hydrological and water-quality study of Longku Nalla covering downstream villages, and an opportunity for all affected habitations, including Boro Langklam, Krangmenglangso and Nobdi Longkukro, to present their views before any further decision.
The latest objection comes amid continuing concerns among residents over the proposed limestone mining and cement projects in the Umrangso area.
On September 25, residents of Umrangso 19 Km village submitted a separate memorandum to the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council (DHAC), seeking redressal of grievances related to land acquisition and compensation.
The residents said several bighas of land in the area had earlier been provided for cement industries and limestone mining in the interest of industrial and overall development of Dima Hasao and Assam. They alleged, however, that several grievances of affected residents remained unaddressed.