'No to cement plant': Bir Lachit Sena opposes proposed factory in Assam's Morigaon

Bir Lachit Sena has opposed the proposed establishment of a Max Cement manufacturing plant at Sandoba village in eastern Dharmatul of Assam's Morigaon district, alleging that the project would pose serious threats to the environment, agriculture and public health.

A delegation of the organisation on July 23 submitted a memorandum to Morigaon Deputy Commissioner Anamika Tiwari, urging the district administration to halt the proposed project.

The memorandum, signed by Dharmatul Regional Committee president Deep Baishya and general secretary Hemanta Kumar Das, stated that the proposed site is located close to Dharmatul Higher Secondary School, while the historic Shilchang Tiwa Khala Deworja Udpur Mela venue lies to its east. The surrounding areas are predominantly agricultural land and densely inhabited villages.

According to the organisation, local residents had earlier sold their agricultural land after being assured that a different type of industry would be established in the area. However, they now fear that the proposed cement plant would lead to severe pollution, adversely affecting human health, agricultural productivity and the local ecosystem.

Bir Lachit Sena said it was not opposed to industrialisation or the government's development initiatives but would resist projects that could negatively impact residential areas and public welfare.

The organisation also appealed to local MLA and Assam Minister Pijush Hazarika to intervene and ensure that the proposed cement plant is cancelled. Instead, it urged the government to establish a non-polluting industry at the site, assuring full cooperation from local residents if such an alternative project is taken up.

Among those present during the submission of the memorandum were Bir Lachit Sena Morigaon district general secretary Dipmani Hira, organising secretary Krishna Patar, executive members Pranab Das and Pramod Das, and member Biswajit Deka.