According to sources, the mushrooming of factories in areas within the capital city limits as well as its outskirts has led to fast increase in pollution. The factories situated in Guwahati — India Carbon, Assam Carbon, Bharu Calcinator, Mahabir Coke, Ashoka Silicate, Brahmaputra Steel and Jumbo Cement among others — have been the source of mounting pollution in the city. Flouting of rules in issuing NOCs to these factories is being alleged against the authorities concerned. Similar allegations have also been levelled regarding issuing of licence to Kedi, Jagti, Pride and Sri Shyam coke factories situated in Bornihat, Sonapur and Jorabat areas. Besides, the brick kilns situated in various parts of the State — the Borgaon-based Guwahati Carbon, Swastik Coke in Rani, PM and Ma Kamakhya Coke factories in North Guwahati — are also under the scanner for alleged flouting of rules.

Residents living in the vicinity of such factories suffer the most. "We have repeatedly appealed to the authorities concerned to look into the illegal functioning of the factories, but nothing has been done in this regard so far," they said adding that the authorities concerned have rather been working overtime to safeguard these factories. The Beltola-based Mahabir Coke and India Carbon are two instances which clearly show the soft spot the authorities have for the factory owners. In fact, it is also alleged that the APCB had tampered with the data regarding the extent of air pollution created by these two factories when Public Interest Litigations were filed against their functioning.

Irregularities abound the APCB not only in the manner in which NOCs and licences are issued but also in the appointment of officials in the Board. It is alleged that the appointment of a controversial person in the post of the Board’s Chairman itself is enough evidence of the extent of corruption in the APCB. Jawaharlal Dutta, a former lecturer of Hailakandi College, who was allegedly dismissed from service on corruption charges in the 1980’s, is now the Chairman of the Board. It is alleged that Dutta enjoys ‘the blessings’ of the Chief Minister and his close proximity to Tarun Gogoi is seen as the reason of his being chosen for the coveted post of the Board’s Chairman.

But the ‘pollution’ within Board does not end here. The installation of Paresh Chandra Barua as the permanent Member Secretary of the Board is another instance of the gross irregularities prevalent in the Board, it is alleged. During his tenure as the acting Member Secretary, Barua was indicted in a number of corruption cases. The inquiry commission set up by the Government found him guilty in many of the corruption charges. In spite of this, Barua’s appointment as the permanent Member Secretary, even when more deserving candidates had applied for the post, raised doubts regarding the functioning of the Board. It is also alleged that the appointment of Barua was done in a manner which was against the directives laid down by a High Court order.

The role of the Minister of State for Forest, Pradyut Bordoloi, in this regard is also unsatisfactory. The minister had claimed that he will would out corruption from this department. But even after such a bold announcement, the ongoing irregularities in APCB only proves the failure of the minister to keep his word.

The increasing pollution has created health hazards for the masses. Medical experts have warned of dire consequences if pollution is not checked. Surely, the Government cannot feign ignorance in this matter. Measures must be taken to cure the Assam Pollution Control Board of its illnesses, so that it may discharge its duties in a manner beneficial for the people of the State.