After years of inactivity, the Niglok Industrial Growth Centre (IGC), near Ruksin town in East Siang district, is emerging as a hub for government-backed industries. However, the IGC has not been free from controversy, as villagers have been raising concerns about pollution in and around the area.
Recently, villagers demanded that a silicon industrial unit be relocated to a more isolated location. Residents living around the Niglok IGC, under the banner of the ‘IGC Pollution-Affected People’s Forum’, submitted a petition to the East Siang deputy commissioner, urging his intervention in relocating the hazardous silicon industry.
The factory, operated by M/s Aether Alloys LLP, is allegedly posing health hazards due to pollution and violations of the Factories Act.
The petitioners also expressed opposition to the establishment of two additional units by M/s Alloy Craft LLP and M/s Arunachal Ferro Alloys. These companies have sought permission to expand operations.
Often villagers do not have a say as decisions are made without transparency or proper disclosure about the environmental impact. The consequences of polluting industries are rarely discussed. Both the companies and the government should be transparent about the potential repercussions on the environment and local communities, as these impacts can be long-term and, in some cases, fatal.