Villagers Oppose Proposed Cement Plant, Raise Concerns Over Longku Nalla Water Source

Haflong, September 30: Villagers of Nobdi Longkukro and other downstream habitations in Dima Hasao district have submitted a memorandum of objection before the Assam Pollution Control Board (APCB), opposing the proposed cement plant of M/s J.K. Mahalaxmi Cement Ltd. at Umrangso and its proposed use of water from Longku Nalla.

The memorandum, dated September 29, was submitted in connection with the public hearing scheduled at the Football Ground, Umrangso, on the proposal for pollution clearance for the cement plant at Umrangso and a limestone block at Hanjanglangso village.

The villagers have also challenged the No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued by the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC), Haflong, permitting the company to use water from Longku Nalla.

According to the memorandum, Longku Nalla is the principal source of water for several downstream villages, including Boro Langklam, Krangmenglangso, Boro Longku, Dima Longku and Longku Bazar. The villagers claimed that residents depend on the stream for drinking, cooking, bathing, washing and other domestic requirements, particularly during the dry season.

The memorandum further stated that livestock and wildlife in the surrounding areas also depend on the stream for water.

The objectors have raised concerns over the possible impact of the proposed industrial unit on the water source. They alleged that cement manufacturing could generate process effluent, kiln and cooling water discharge, oil and grease, as well as dust and particulate matter, which could potentially enter the stream through surface runoff.

The villagers also pointed out that the matter concerning the source of Longku Nalla is currently pending before the Gauhati High Court in Writ Petition No. 3600/2026, Nobdi Longkukro Village versus M/s J.K. Mahalaxmi Cement Ltd. 

They argued that the issue being considered in the proposed pollution clearance process is therefore sub judice.

The memorandum alleged that the villagers whose consent the Council's NOC purportedly represents had not been consulted and that the NOC did not reflect the views of affected communities at the source or downstream.

Seeking intervention by the Pollution Control Board, the villagers requested that the NOC relating to the use of water from Longku Nalla be held invalid for clearance purposes and withdrawn.

They also sought deferment of any decision concerning the water source until the High Court disposes of the pending writ petition.

Among their other demands are an independent hydrological and water quality study of Longku Nalla, covering downstream villages, and an opportunity for all affected habitations, including Boro Langklam, Krangmenglangso and Nobdi Longkukro, to present their views before any further decision is taken.

The memorandum has been submitted as a formal objection for consideration during the public hearing.