Guwahati, 10th June: Sonapur witnessed protests today as residents and local organizations voiced opposition to the construction of a new cement factory by Taj Cement Authority. The proposed factory, boasting an annual production capacity of 10 lakh units, has sparked concerns about its potential environmental impact, leading to widespread backlash.
A public hearing organized by the Assam Pollution Control Board aimed to gather feedback from the local community regarding the project. However, weeks of unrest preceded the hearing, as residents felt uninformed about the project’s details and its potential consequences. Tensions ran high during the hearing, with an enraged crowd surrounding Taj Cement Authority officials before proceedings commenced.
The situation escalated, prompting the deployment of police and CRPF personnel to manage the unrest. Clashes ensued between protestors and security forces, resulting in violent confrontations involving the use of sharp weapons and physical assaults.
The primary concern driving the protests is the environmental ramifications of the proposed factory. Sonapur, renowned for its verdant landscapes, faces substantial ecological risks from industrial development. Activists argue that the construction of the factory will inflict irreversible damage on the local ecosystem, posing threats to both human health and biodiversity.
Backed by local organizations and political parties, protestors advocate for the preservation of Sonapur’s natural beauty and ecological equilibrium. The residents’ steadfast opposition to the cement factory has garnered widespread attention, underscoring the ongoing struggle between industrial progress and environmental conservation.
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