Intensified Opposition Against Proposed UltraTech Cement Plant in Chhaygaon

Local Residents Rally Against Cement Project

PALASBARI, May 25: The opposition to the proposed UltraTech cement factory at Choudhurikhat in the Chhaygaon Revenue Circle has escalated, as the Land Protection Committee reaffirmed its strong opposition during a press conference held on Sunday.

During the event, they asserted that the community would not permit any cement industry to be established at Govardhan Choudhurikhat, even if it meant risking their lives.

The press conference, organized by the Land Protection Committee representing Choudhurikhat, Kawaimari, South Bankakata, Belguri, and Dhowargaon Lat, took place at the Govardhan Anchalik Yuvak Sanghab office near Chhaygaon, drawing significant reactions from local residents and committee members.

For nearly two years, protests against the UltraTech cement plant have been led by the Land Protection Committee, with local residents voicing concerns that the project threatens fertile agricultural land and the livelihoods of indigenous communities in the area.

It is noteworthy that a report was published today regarding the May 22 incident, where local residents obstructed a survey team at the proposed site for the cement plant.

The opposition gained traction after preliminary activities for the proposed plant reportedly commenced on May 22, despite prior assurances from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma that the project would not proceed at Choudhurikhat.

At the press conference, former president of the Land Protection Committee, Ghanshyam Dakua, along with Bimal Saloi and other local residents, highlighted that the areas represented by the committee, including Choudhurikhat, Kawaimari, South Bankakata, Belguri, Govardhan Kalabakara, and Dhowargaon, are densely populated and primarily inhabited by indigenous communities. They described the region as peaceful and socially cohesive, centered around the fertile agricultural land nourished by the Nakakati river.

The speakers expressed their apprehensions that the proposed cement factory, allegedly supported by a network of brokers and land dealers, would lead to significant environmental pollution and pose serious health risks to residents in neighboring villages such as Kawaimari, North Bankakata, South Bankakata, Belguri, Dhowargaon, and Doloipara.

During the press conference, the committee emphasized that land is the top priority for the farming community and vowed not to compromise on this issue. They pledged to safeguard what they consider their sacred homeland and to keep the area safe, pollution-free, and livable.

The committee also accused certain stakeholders of attempting to push the project through and warned that such actions could disrupt the peace in the region.

Over the past two years, various organizations, including the Kamrup District Rabha Students’ Union, Chhaygaon Anchalik Students’ Union, and others, have joined the movement through peaceful protest initiatives.

The committee also referenced the May 22 incident when local residents prevented vehicles associated with the proposed cement project from accessing agricultural fields. They criticized the actions of the Chhaygaon Revenue Circle Officer during this incident and indicated that they would bring the conduct of Officer Nithee Kalita to the Chief Minister's attention.

In response, Circle Officer Kalita dismissed the allegations, asserting that there was no involvement of brokers in the Circle Office and labeled the claims as unfounded.