Photo Courtesy: nenow
Guwahati: Villagers from Nobdi Longkukro and nearby settlements are blocking M/s JK Mahalaxmi Cement Ltd. They want to stop the company from using the Longku Nalla water source for a proposed plant in Umrangso. Residents submitted a formal memorandum to the Pollution Control Board Assam before a public hearing at the Umrangso Football Ground. They say the stream is a lifeline. People use the water for drinking, cooking, bathing, and washing, especially when the dry season hits.
The villagers claim industrial runoff poses a massive risk. They fear cement production will dump kiln discharge, oil, grease, and dust into the stream. The project also eyes a limestone block at Hanjanglangso village. Locals argue the case is already tied up in court. The Gauhati High Court is currently reviewing Writ Petition No. 3600/2026, Nobdi Longkukro Village versus M/s JK Mahalaxmi Cement Ltd. They contend the matter is sub judice and cannot move forward.
Locals also ripped into the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council. They claim the council issued a No Objection Certificate without consulting the actual stakeholders. They demand the board invalidate that permit immediately. The memorandum states: "The NOC did not reflect the views of affected communities at the source or downstream."
The fight for the water follows other local unrest. On September 25, residents of Umrangso 19 Km village complained to the Chief Executive Member of the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council. They remain angry over land acquisition and unpaid compensation for previous industrial projects. Now, these communities want an independent hydrological study. They refuse to let the project proceed until the court settles the water rights and their voices are heard.
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