Staff Reporter 

ITANAGAR, Mar 5: The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) on Thursday sharpened its attack over the ongoing ferro-silicon plant controversy, expressing strong concern after its fact-finding committee visited the protest site at Ngorlung. The committee addressed the media at the Arunachal Press Club, stating that it undertook the visit on March 1 to assess the ground reality following a hunger strike launched by villagers and a group of mothers against the factory operated by Aether Alloys LLP.
The committee, headed by Chairperson Yane Dai, along with Vice Chairman Tami Pangu and Member Secretary Daniel Gao, interacted with the agitating villagers and heard what they described as serious grievances. According to the APCC, the villagers alleged that the ferro-silicon plant has caused significant environmental damage, including air and water pollution, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity, which they claim is affecting agriculture and the fragile ecosystem of the surrounding area.
Residents have also reported a rise in health problems such as respiratory ailments, irritation of the eyes and throat, and skin-related diseases, allegedly due to toxic fumes and dust emitted from the factory. The villagers further claimed that mandatory procedures were bypassed prior to the establishment of the plant, alleging that no proper public hearing or Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was conducted before approval was granted.
The committee also flagged concerns over the plant’s location, stating that its proximity to a Sainik School, a river, and forest land poses environmental and safety risks. Allegations of violation of fundamental rights and non-compliance with the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) were also raised during the interaction.
The protesting villagers have demanded relocation of the plant to an isolated industrial zone or its permanent closure if relocation is not possible. They have also sought a joint inspection involving the district administration, the Arunachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (APSPCB), the forest department, Gram Sabha representatives, and environmental experts to verify the alleged violations. In addition, they have called for strict action against the company if irregularities are established, along with compensation for crop losses, health issues, livelihood disruption, and ecological damage. The villagers have urged the authorities to initiate a time-bound dialogue with the Gram Sabha to resolve the matter amicably.
The APCC stated that it has adopted a two-phase approach to investigate the issue and will submit its findings after a detailed assessment. Meanwhile, the party strongly reacted to remarks made by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Arunachal Pradesh unit, which described the controversy as politically motivated. The APCC questioned why BJP leaders have not visited the affected area to understand the ground situation and accused them of ignoring the genuine concerns of the local population.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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