Sonapur: The presence of several cement factories near Air Force Station Digaru on outskirts of Guwahati in Assam has raised concerns about potential threats to national security.
The airbase, which houses the critical 51 Air Stores Park, is a vital logistical hub for the Indian Air Force in Northeast India.
Concerns stem from the close proximity of these factories. Star Cement sits a mere 2.4 kilometers from the base, while the under-construction Daivik Cement and the proposed Taj Cement factories are located 2.7 kilometers and 1.9 kilometers away respectively.
Experts warn that the cumulative effects of dust pollution, vibrations, and heat generated by these plants could significantly impact the sensitive military equipment stored at the airbase.
A retired Indian Air Force officer, who wished to remain anonymous, emphasized the historical importance of Digaru’s location.
“The Air Force specifically chose Digaru due to its minimal dust and other strategic considerations. During my service, Air Force Station Digaru housed cutting-edge weapon systems. I have reason to believe such systems are still present, and they would be extremely vulnerable to the fine dust particles emitted by these factories,” he said.
Rakesh Hazarika, Executive Director of the Centre for Efficient Governance, echoed these concerns, highlighting the broader national security implications.
“Cement factories release particulate matter ranging from 2.5 to 10 micrometers in size. These PM 2.5 and PM 10 emissions pose a serious national security threat, not just an environmental concern,” Hazarika added.
He further condemned the lack of transparency from the proposed Taj Cement factory. “Their Draft EIA report blatantly disregarded the presence of the Air Force base nearby. This raises serious red flags about their commitment to responsible practices,” Hazarika added.
The potential for industrial accidents adds another layer of worry. “The close proximity of these factories to the airbase creates a significant risk in case of incidents. Any mishap at these plants could have catastrophic consequences for the base, jeopardizing national security,” warned Hazarika.
He called for immediate action from the government. He urged a thorough study to assess the true impact of these emissions on military hardware and the implementation of necessary mitigation measures.