United Cubs Organisation (UCO), an umbrella body of the clubs of Salungpham village in Thoubal, drew the attention of the state government to “save the paddy lands of the village from the mushrooming mechanical brick farm and stone crushing units”.
UCO secretary Narayan Ngangom stated that Salungpham is a village with a population of close to 10 thousand, most of which are farmers whose source of income is dependent on agriculture.
The establishment of brick farms in the middle of the paddy fields, digging of holes and piling of earth has made the canal of the paddy field dysfunctional thereby affecting the agricultural activities in the region, it alleged.
“The smoke emitted from the chimneys of these farms and factories has polluted the surrounding air which then led to thin rainfall, turning the paddy fields into wastelands. To meet the fuel requirement of these farms, the nearby hills of Salungpham village have been depleted gradually as well,” it stated.
It demanded the state government and the authorities concerned for the shutdown of such farms and factories established at paddy lands of Salungpham village. It also urged the authorities concerned to take action against the “law-breakers” for the sake of the farmers.
