Stone quarries put Assam semiconductor plant at risk
Green activists and local organisations have petitioned the government on flash floods and air pollution caused by the quarries and crushers within 5 km of the Tata chip plant, which needs to be insulated from microscopic dust, according to the Indian Semiconductor Mission
Stone quarries and crushers operating within a 5 km radius of the upcoming ₹27,000 crore Semiconductor Assembly and Test facility in Assam's Morigaon district are threatening to disrupt the project before it can even commence, warns an environmental activist. Tata, a renowned semiconductor manufacturer, is developing the TSAT facility in Jagiroad, about 55 km east of Guwahati.
This ambitious project is a critical component of India's semiconductor ambitions, aligned with the India Semiconductor Mission's vision for self-reliance. Over 60% of the facility's work is already complete, requiring ISO Class 1 to 5 vibration-damped cleanrooms and millions of gallons of ultra-pure water daily to prevent dust contamination.
However, local organizations report that quarrying and blasting activities in nearby hills have caused flash floods and raised severe public health concerns. Rohit Choudhury, a Golaghat district-based environmental activist, urged the state government to enforce restrictions on polluting industries within a 15-km radius of the TSAT facility.
He cited an RTI reply and a government directive, arguing that exemptions granted to existing and future polluting industries could undermine the project's environmental goals. The Assam Cabinet initially banned cement plants and other polluting industries within a 15-km radius, and the Industries Department issued an order on May 2, enforcing strict compliance.
However, an RTI response revealed that the Cabinet later clarified the restriction would only apply prospectively, not retroactively. Choudhury questioned the distinction between new and existing polluting activities, emphasizing that dust and pollutants from both categories could harm the semiconductor facility. He also pointed out that illegal stone mining and blasting operations in the area have been cited as major sources of particulate matter and gaseous pollutants, incompatible with semiconductor manufacturing requirements.
Environmental organizations have also protested the illegal activities, urging the state government to take immediate action to protect the environment and public health.
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