Protest erupts in Assam's Ledo against alleged illegal coke coal units

A protest meeting was held in Ledo town of Tinsukia district in Assam against the alleged establishment of illegal coke coal bhattas (furnaces) in the region.
 

Residents from areas under the Margherita Assembly constituency, including Ledo, Tikak, Bargolai, Tirap and Lekhapani, gathered to oppose the rapid expansion of coke coal units, claiming they pose serious environmental and health hazards.
 

Local people alleged that several coke coal furnaces are being set up illegally with the alleged support of some officials of the state industries department and the Pollution Control Board, Assam, along with the backing of middlemen linked to certain political groups.
 

Protesters said the growing number of such units has created an alarming situation for residents in the area.
 

They pointed out that the only major industry in Ledo is the North Eastern Coalfields, a unit of Coal India Limited, located in nearby Margherita. With the coal sector in the region weakening over the years, illegal coal traders have allegedly started setting up coke coal units across several villages.
 

According to residents, more than 20 coke coal furnaces have already been established in Ledo, Rodgaon and Tirap villages, severely affecting the surrounding environment.
 

They also claimed that such industries are being set up close to densely populated areas despite government norms that require coke coal units to be located at least one kilometre away from residential areas, educational institutions and religious places.
 

Local residents alleged that pollution from these units has led to a rise in health problems such as asthma, skin diseases and other respiratory illnesses.
 

They said memorandums had been submitted several times to the administration seeking the closure of these units, but no action has been taken so far.
 

Tensions escalated recently after attempts were reportedly made to set up another coke coal unit in the Rodgaon area of Ledo, prompting residents to stage the protest and demand immediate intervention from the authorities.