Editor,
Rampant and poorly regulated earth-cutting in and around the capital towns of Naharlagun and Itanagar, particularly along the highway towards Sood Village, has quietly imposed a heavy cost on ordinary citizens. While such activities are often justified in the name of development, the absence of regulation, monitoring, and basic preventive measures has turned daily life into a persistent struggle for people living in and around the affected areas.
The most visible consequence of this unchecked activity is excessive dust pollution. Large stretches of exposed soil remain untreated for long periods, heavy vehicles move continuously, and yet there is little to no evidence of regular water sprinkling, dust barriers, or on-site supervision. This is not a minor lapse but a clear reflection of weak enforcement and poor regulatory oversight.
This situation raises a fundamental question: who pays for the consequences of such negligence?
The answer, unfortunately, is the public.
People residing in and around earth-cutting zones are experiencing unprecedented levels of dust deposition inside homes and workspaces. Families are falling sick two to three times a month with dust-induced allergies, breathing difficulties, throat irritation, and recurring respiratory infections. Each medical visit costs a minimum of Rs 2,500, translating into an average monthly healthcare expense of approximately R s 6,250 per household. These are forced and avoidable costs imposed on citizens due to administrative inaction.
The economic burden extends further to daily mobility and asset maintenance. Vehicles accumulate thick layers of dust within days, making frequent washing unavoidable. With cars needing to be washed at least twice a week at a cost of Rs 500 per wash, households spend around Rs 4,000 per month on vehicle cleaning alone. Combined with medical expenses, families are paying over Rs 10,000 every month for consequences they neither caused nor can control.
Despite the seriousness of the issue, public concern remains largely muted. This silence is not surprising. Over time, people have been conditioned to accept such hardships as normal, while public attention is frequently diverted through festivals, events, and other non-essential entertainment activities. While cultural celebrations have their place, they cannot substitute governance or compensate for deteriorating air quality and rising health expenses.
When administrative focus leans heavily towards organising events rather than addressing everyday civic and environmental challenges, real issues remain unresolved. Dust pollution, public health, and environmental safety rarely receive the urgency they deserve, despite their direct impact on citizens’ lives.
This letter does not seek confrontation or legal challenge. It seeks accountability and prioritisation. Earth cutting, if unavoidable, must be carried out responsibly, with strict enforcement of dust-control measures such as regular watering, proper slope management, and continuous monitoring. These are basic safeguards, not optional gestures.
Development that shifts its costs onto citizens is not progress. If the capital region itself is allowed to suffer from unchecked dust pollution, it signals misplaced priorities that must be urgently corrected. True development lies not in spectacle, but in protecting the health, dignity, and everyday wellbeing of the people.
Dr Yami Landi,
Naharlagun