Niglok, February 15, 2025
Villagers in East Siang district have refused to allow M/s Aether Alloys LLP to operate its proposed silicon factory at the Industrial Growth Centre (IGC) in Niglok, alleging environmental pollution and health risks. The standoff comes despite directions from the Itanagar Bench of the Gauhati High Court, which earlier ordered state authorities to ensure smooth and unobstructed movement of men and materials to the facility after the company filed a writ petition.
Acting on the court’s directive, the district administration attempted to escort material-laden trucks stranded at Ruksin on Sunday morning. However, villagers staged a road blockade, preventing the convoy from moving forward and escalating tensions in the area. Officials have since been trying to facilitate access to the factory, leading to repeated confrontations between authorities and protesters.
Opposition to the silicon unit dates back to June 2025, when residents united under the banner of the IGC Pollution-Affected People’s Forum and submitted a complaint to the East Siang Deputy Commissioner seeking relocation of what they described as a “hazardous silicon industry.” Protesters alleged violations of provisions under the Factories Act, 1948, and called for punitive action against the company.
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| Picture from June 2025 protest. |
The controversy drew the attention of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which took suo motu cognizance following a local newspaper report highlighting alleged environmental damage linked to the unit. State Industries Commissioner Saugat Biswas, accompanied by senior officials from the industry, trade & commerce, and skill development departments, later visited the Niglok IGC and assured residents that pollution assessments would be carried out by technical experts.
Residents, however, claim that no concrete pollution control measures have been implemented despite those assurances. Forum president Opir Paron later submitted a petition to the Chief Minister through the Ruksin Additional Deputy Commissioner, demanding swift relocation of the silicon plant. The forum has also urged the state government to stop permitting polluting industries within the IGC, dismantle existing stone crushers, promote agro-based enterprises, and establish green buffer zones to protect the local ecosystem.
