Assam: Asia's largest plywood industry stands in shambles, demand rises for its revival

The A.R. & T. Company in Margherita, once Asia’s largest plywood industry, has turned into a desolate landmark of abandonment, with its premises rumored to be haunted. Established in 1921 during British rule, the Assam Railway and Trading (A.R. & T.) Company thrived, shaping Margherita into a bustling industrial town and linking it inextricably with Assam’s economic development. By the early 20th century, Margherita’s A.R. & T. Company produced plywood and veneers exported to over 35 countries, earning it international acclaim and making it the bedrock of the local economy.

This transformation into a ghostly relic began in 1996, following a Supreme Court ruling that led to its closure amidst a government-led environmental protection initiative. Local activist and former A.R. & T. employee Kamlesh Kumar Dubey highlights how, although the court ruling aimed at environmental protection, the Assam government under Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta’s AGP failed to protect over 1,000 plywood industries, including A.R. & T., leading to a devastating economic impact on Margherita. Later, in 2008, a high-level committee attempted to reopen the industry, but machinery failures and escalating operational losses ultimately dashed these efforts.

The shutdown not only led to significant economic distress but also severed a deeply rooted cultural and historical connection with the region. A.R. & T.’s legacy goes beyond economic contributions; it represents a formative era of industrialization in Assam. During its peak, over 10,000 workers were employed directly, supporting thousands of families and fostering a flourishing community.

The area remains a stark reminder of Margherita’s past glory. Despite numerous calls from local leaders like Asomiya Yuba Mancha’s Gautam Baruah to declare A.R. & T. a heritage site or revitalize it through alternative industrial efforts, the facility continues to decay. Community members have expressed frustration over what they see as governmental neglect, specifically criticizing Margherita’s four-time MLA and former Industry Minister Pradyut Bordoloi for his perceived lack of initiative in reviving this lifeline of the town.

As time passes, machinery imported from Italy and Germany during the industry’s heyday has either vanished or been left to rust. Local authorities suspect encroachment on industrial land, with allegations that plots have been sold off unlawfully. Now, the once-proud structure of the A.R. & T. Company stands as a haunting reminder of an era when Margherita was a thriving economic powerhouse.

For the people of Margherita, the sight of the A.R. & T. premises is not just an industrial ruin but a silent testament to unfulfilled potential. In calling for its preservation, they hope to reignite interest in a rich industrial heritage that has shaped not only Margherita but also Assam’s journey through history.