Hundreds of villagers from the Tangsa community in Malu village, located in Ledo, Tinsukia, gathered for a protest on Sunday. They are strongly opposing North Eastern Coalfields’ (NEC) proposal to build a new coal dumping ground in their area. To maintain peace, the authorities deployed police and CRPF personnel.
The protest was organized by the All Assam Tarigsa Students’ Union (AATSU), with participation from men, women, and children. Protesters carried placards as they voiced their concerns against the project, which is being pushed forward by NEC, a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL).
The primary reason for the opposition is environmental concerns. The protesters believe that the proposed coal dumping site would disrupt the delicate ecological balance of the region. This area, home to four villages—Malu, Mulong, Jharna Basti, and China Basti—has a combined population of over 1,500 people. The region is known for its rich biodiversity and is inhabited by various communities, including Tangsa, Gorkha, Assamese, Hindi-speaking, Bengali, Muslim, Manipuri, and Adivasi groups. Many of these communities have lived in the area since the villages were established between 1947 and 1952.
AATSU President Nayung Mossang expressed the community’s concerns, stating, “The construction of the dumping ground will pose a severe threat to our environment. We are deeply worried about pollution and the ecological damage it will cause. Coal dumps will lead to groundwater contamination, air pollution, and destruction of natural habitats. This area is also rich in biodiversity, and we will not allow our land to be turned into a wasteland.”
The Margherita-Ledo coal belt, where NEC operates six collieries—Tikak Colliery, Ledo Open Cast Project, Tirap Colliery, Tipong Colliery, and Baragolai Colliery—has already experienced significant industrial activity. Locals fear that adding a coal dumping facility will worsen pollution, which could negatively impact agriculture, water sources, and wildlife.
“Coal dumping grounds have historically caused irreversible damage,” Mossang added. “The authorities must explore alternative solutions that do not harm our local ecosystems. We will continue to protest until our voices are heard. This is about our survival and the future of our children.”
The protest in Ledo highlights the community’s deep concern over the potential environmental impact of the proposed coal dumping site and their determination to safeguard their land and resources.
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