Assam Pollution Board Reviews Umrangso Cement Plan
A proposed integrated cement manufacturing project in Assam’s Dima Hasao district has entered a critical review phase following a public consultation that brought environmental risk, local livelihoods, and regional development priorities into sharp focus. The hearing, held near Umrangso, reflects the growing scrutiny faced by large industrial projects in ecologically sensitive hill regions across India.
The project under consideration involves setting up clinker and cement manufacturing capacity of just under one million tonnes annually. During the consultation, officials outlined the technical scope of the proposal, including plans to deploy emission control systems and energy-efficiency measures intended to reduce environmental impact. These features, commonly mandated for modern cement facilities, are designed to limit particulate emissions and recover waste heat generated during production.Despite these assurances, the proceedings revealed deep-seated concerns among residents and civil society representatives. Participants flagged the cumulative environmental risks associated with cement manufacturing in a region characterised by dense forest cover, fragile hill ecology, and limited water resources. Air quality degradation, pressure on surface and groundwater systems, and potential disruption to local biodiversity emerged as recurring themes during the discussions.
Urban and regional planners observing developments in the Northeast note that such consultations increasingly reflect a broader tension between industrial expansion and environmental stewardship. Dima Hasao’s terrain and ecological sensitivity amplify the stakes, as even moderate industrial activity can have outsized impacts on downstream communities and habitats. Speakers at the hearing also raised questions about long-term health outcomes and the capacity of local institutions to enforce compliance once construction begins.A key demand from community representatives was the establishment of continuous, transparent monitoring mechanisms. Calls were made for independent environmental audits, publicly accessible data on emissions and water use, and enforceable timelines for mitigation measures. These demands align with a national shift toward greater accountability in environmental clearance processes, particularly for projects located outside established industrial corridors.
Company representatives positioned the proposed plant as an economic opportunity for the region, citing potential job creation and ancillary development. They reiterated commitments to green buffers, pollution control technologies, and adherence to regulatory standards. However, analysts point out that employment assurances alone are no longer sufficient to secure public acceptance, especially in regions where ecological assets underpin livelihoods and cultural identity.Regulatory officials overseeing the process confirmed that objections and recommendations recorded during the hearing will form part of the formal appraisal before any clearance decision is taken. The outcome will be closely watched as a test case for how infrastructure and industrial investments are evaluated in environmentally vulnerable districts.
As India’s cement sector continues to expand in response to infrastructure and housing demand, projects like the Umrangso proposal highlight the need for location-sensitive planning. The challenge for policymakers lies in aligning industrial growth with climate resilience, community trust, and long-term environmental security — particularly in regions where ecological thresholds are easily crossed.
