Voters in Virbhadra’s constituency say will ‘boycott polls if village not shifted’

Solan, October 25

As many as 500 residents of Rauri village in the constituency of Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh —Arki—have warned the authorities and political parties to either shift their village to a pollution-free zone or face boycott in the Assembly elections on November 9.

The village is situated close to Ambuja cement factory in Darlaghat.  The villagers alleged that they lived a good life until the cement factory was set up in their area.

Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

Now, most of them suffers from respiratory diseases and inflammation of the skin and are on a regular medication for the past several years. They alleged there are thousands of other people, mostly children, pregnant women and elderly people, who have been suffering from diseases caused by exposure to dust emanating from the cement plant.

“Most of us are suffering from skin and respiratory diseases due to the dust and air pollution. We cannot sleep during the nights as the loud sound and tremors of blasting disturb us. The blasting has also caused cracks in our houses. We will not vote if our demands are not met,” said a villager.

The cement industry has become a big revenue getter for the Himachal Pradesh government. 

 —with ANI inputs