Guwahati: Thousands of residents from 17 villages, joined by students of Janata College, took to the streets at Serfanguri on Sunday, demanding the immediate removal of a poultry farm at Kumguri in Assam’s Kolabari.
The protest, organised by the Land Protection Committee, Kumguri-Kolabari, was held at the Janata College Field. The protesters alleged that the farm continues to remain at the site despite the cancellation of its trade licence by the Dotma Development Block on August 5, 2026.
The licence was cancelled through Memo No. D.D.B/Trade Licence/2006-27/255, following which the operator was asked to remove the farm’s structures, equipment and other materials within 15 days, according to the committee.
The protesters said the deadline has passed but the establishment and its equipment continue to remain at the site. They accused the authorities of failing to enforce the order and address the grievances of residents.
Carrying banners and placards, the protesters raised slogans demanding the farm’s immediate removal, saying residents should not have to compromise their right to a clean and healthy environment.
The alleged impact of the poultry farm on nearby educational institutions emerged as a major issue during the protest.
Janata College and No. 2 Kolabari L.P. School are located close to the farm, and students, teachers and residents alleged that the foul smell from the facility has disrupted the academic environment.
They claimed that the odour becomes so intense at times that students and teachers have to cover their noses and mouths with handkerchiefs. Protesters also alleged that some children have struggled to eat their midday meals because of the smell.
Villagers further raised health and sanitation concerns, including alleged cases of diarrhoea among children. They urged the administration to conduct an immediate inspection and independently verify the claims.
Residents said the problem has affected a wider area, with people from 17 surrounding villages joining the protest.
They alleged that the persistent smell has made daily life difficult and that many residents are reluctant to use a nearby road because of the odour.
The protesters stressed that their objection was not to lawful economic activity but to the alleged continued operation and presence of the poultry farm despite the cancellation of its trade licence and prolonged complaints from local residents.
The meeting was presided over by Rao Khungur Basumatary. Addressing the gathering, D.D. Narzary, working president of the Bodoland Janajati Suraksha Manch, criticised what he described as the failure of the BTC authorities and concerned departments to address the grievances of residents and students.
The speakers demanded immediate enforcement of the licence-cancellation order and action against the farm in accordance with the law.
Tension briefly rose when a section of the protesters attempted to move towards the poultry farm. Committee members and police intervened and stopped them. The organisers said the protest remained peaceful.
A memorandum addressed to the District Commissioner, Kokrajhar, was submitted on behalf of the affected villagers. It sought immediate intervention, an inspection of the farm, removal of the establishment in accordance with the law and enforcement of the trade-licence cancellation order.
The memorandum was received by the Dotma Circle Officer, who, according to the organisers, assured them that necessary action would be taken.
Protesters said they had reached the limit of their patience and demanded a resolution to the issue.
“Our children have a right to study in a healthy environment. Students cannot concentrate, teachers cannot conduct classes comfortably and villagers cannot be expected to tolerate unbearable foul smell indefinitely,” they said.
The Land Protection Committee warned that it would intensify its democratic and lawful agitation if the issue remains unresolved.
The committee said it would continue to pursue the matter through peaceful means and could organise further rallies and mass programmes if the demands are not addressed within a reasonable period.
“This is a question of public health, education, environment and the dignity of the affected villagers,” the committee said, urging the district administration, BTC authorities and concerned departments to act without further delay.