Itanagar, (UNI) The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Eastern Zone Bench at Kolkata, has taken cognisance of a case concerning alleged environmental pollution caused by ferro alloy industries operating in Arunachal Pradesh.
The matter was heard on March 9 before Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi (Judicial Member) and Dr A Senthil Vel (Expert Member) in Original Application No. 43/2026/EZ, filed by the Industrial Growth Centre Pollution Affected People’s Forum (IGCPAPF) and petitioner Dishing Tagi.
The application alleges that the operations of Arunachal Ferro Alloy and Aether Alloys LLP are causing severe air, water and soil pollution affecting several nearby villages including Ruksin, Niglok, Ngorlung, Ralung, Mikong, Mangnang and Lingka.
According to the petition, emissions from factory chimneys release dust and smoke, forming visible clouds that pollute the atmosphere. The dust is also reportedly contaminating agricultural land, horticultural crops, household wells, community ponds and streams used for drinking water.
Residents have further reported declining biodiversity, particularly among frogs, fish and other aquatic life. The petition also highlights health concerns among villagers, including breathing problems, chronic bronchitis, lung fibrosis and silicosis.
After hearing the submissions and reviewing the materials on record, the Tribunal observed that the matter raises substantial environmental questions under enactments listed in Schedule I of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.
The Tribunal has issued notices to the respondents, including the State government and concerned authorities, directing them to file their replies.
The applicants have sought several directions from the Tribunal, including the constitution of a joint committee of independent environmental experts and government officials to investigate the pollution, steps for restoration of environmental damage caused by the industries and permanent closure of the unit of Aether Alloys LLP, alleging that such an industry is not feasible in a populated area.
The petitioners have also sought criminal proceedings under Section 19 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986 against the industry and responsible officials, along with the imposition of environmental compensation and penalties.
The matter is scheduled to be heard next on April 6.
