Tinsukia: Residents from several areas under the Margherita Assembly constituency gathered in Ledo on Sunday to protest against the alleged establishment of illegal coke coal units in the region, raising concerns over environmental damage and potential health risks.
People from Ledo, Tikak, Bargolai, Tirap and Lekhapani participated in the protest, opposing what they described as the rapid expansion of coke coal units across the area.
“We are not against development or industry, but it must follow the law and should not harm the lives of local residents,” one of the protesters said during the gathering.
Participants alleged that several coke coal furnaces were being set up without proper authorisation and warned that their continued proliferation could have serious consequences for the local environment.
During the protest, residents further claimed that some of these units were being established illegally with the alleged support of certain officials from the state industries department and the Pollution Control Board. They also alleged that middlemen linked to certain political groups were facilitating the establishment of these furnaces.
Locals said the situation had become increasingly worrying for villages located close to the furnaces. “If these units continue to come up unchecked, pollution levels will only increase and it will become difficult for people to live here,” another resident said.
Residents pointed out that the only major industry in the Ledo area is the North Eastern Coalfields, a unit of Coal India Limited, located in nearby Margherita. With coal mining activity in the region declining over the years, locals alleged that illegal coal traders have begun setting up coke coal units in several villages.
According to residents, more than 20 coke coal units have already been established in Ledo, Rodgaon and Tirap villages, which they claim has adversely affected the surrounding environment.
“Smoke and dust from these furnaces are already affecting air quality in nearby localities,” another resident alleged, adding that children and elderly people are particularly vulnerable to the pollution.
Protesters also claimed that some of the units were being set up close to densely populated areas, despite norms requiring coke coal industries to be located at least one kilometre away from residential zones, educational institutions and religious establishments.
Residents further alleged that pollution from these units has led to a rise in health problems such as asthma, skin diseases and other respiratory ailments.
“We have submitted memorandums to the authorities several times seeking action, but so far nothing concrete has been done,” a participant in the protest said.
Tensions reportedly escalated recently after attempts were made to establish another coke coal unit in the Rodgaon area of Ledo, prompting residents to organise the protest and demand immediate intervention from the administration.
“We are only asking the authorities to investigate the matter and ensure that environmental rules are followed strictly,” said another protester.