GUWAHATI, July 15 � The Pradushita Udyog Birodhi Sangrami Mancha, Samata Pathar on Thursday demonstrated at Dispur Last Gate against the proposed Star Cement factory at Sonapur Samata Pathar and called upon the government to stop the industry as it would have disastrous environmental and health impact.
It needs to be mentioned here that the Mancha has been raising the issue at different platforms and registering its protest through agitational programmes since March this year. Various organizations have also extended support to the Mancha on the issue.
The Mancha had also called a 24-hour Dimoria bandh and even served a 72-hour ultimatum to the government to take the necessary steps in this regard.
�But regrettably, the government has been turning a blind eye towards our demand,� said an office-bearer of the Mancha alleging that the industrial policy has been violated.
The Mancha said that the proposed cement industry would cause irreparable damage to the verdant cover in Dimoria which still has retained an idyllic beauty and flavour.
�There are 10 villages dominated by different tribes, temple, mosque, church, and educational institutions near the proposed site,� said the Mancha pointing out to the Samata Pathar Reserve Forest located just 50 metres from the proposed cement industry site.
The Mancha further said that the famed Bomani Beel where community fishing is carried out on the eve of Magh Bihu every year would be affected by the proposed industry. This community fishing is widely popular and people from far flung areas visit the place.
�Large tracts of arable land would be destroyed if the industry is set up,� said the Mancha mentioning that the agricultural land at present was yielding 25 mun Bodo rice per bigha.
On the other hand, the Mancha said that the local people would be exposed to various health hazards if the industry comes up in the area.
