Arunachal: Pollution Row Sparks Protest in East Siang’s Ruksin
Residents in East Siang district protest against a ferro-silicon plant at Niglok Industrial Growth Centre, alleging pollution-related health risks and environmental damage.
RUKSIN- Public protests intensified in East Siang district’s Ruksin sub-division as villagers from Niglok, Ngorlung and nearby areas demanded the relocation of a ferro-silicon factory operated by M/s Aether Alloys LLP at the Niglok Industrial Growth Centre (IGC), citing alleged environmental pollution and health concerns.
Hundreds of residents staged a demonstration at Ngorlung Bridge on Sunday, blocking a key road and intercepting four coal-laden trucks reportedly headed to the factory. The vehicles, carrying coal from Meghalaya, were later escorted to Ruksin police station under the supervision of district authorities.
Protesters alleged that emissions from the plant have caused deteriorating air quality, crop damage and contamination of local water sources. According to community members, persistent smoke and dust particles have contributed to respiratory problems, skin irritation and declining agricultural productivity, particularly affecting crops such as pineapple, tea and black pepper.
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The agitation follows a recent order by the Gauhati High Court allowing the factory to resume limited operations temporarily to facilitate scientific inspection by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (APSPCB). Villagers, however, argued that industrial activity should not continue until environmental safety is ensured and called for an independent impact assessment.
The protest saw participation from a large number of women, with demonstrators raising slogans against the plant and demanding stricter pollution control measures. Some protesters reportedly burned tyres during the agitation, while authorities monitored the situation amid rising tensions.
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Environmental concerns surrounding the factory are not new. Following a petition by the Industrial Growth Centre (IGC) Pollution Affected People’s Forum in 2025, the APSPCB found the unit operating without a mandatory gas-purifier chamber and imposed a ₹12-lakh penalty. The company subsequently installed gas-purifying systems and air-quality monitoring equipment.
Factory PRO Tommy Paron stated that protesters were not adhering to the High Court’s directive permitting limited resumption of operations for scientific evaluation. He emphasised that a final decision on the plant’s future should be based on findings from competent authorities, including the NGT and pollution control board.
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Meanwhile, tensions escalated further after villagers blocked access to the industrial site despite administrative efforts to escort stranded trucks into the facility following court instructions. Officials said discussions between stakeholders are ongoing, though no official statement has been issued by police regarding detentions or injuries.
Observers note that the standoff reflects a broader challenge facing industrial expansion in ecologically sensitive regions, where development aspirations often intersect with environmental concerns and community livelihoods.
