Pollution by cement factories in Khrew: HC issues notice to Govt

The Jammu and Kashmir High Court on Monday issued notice to the government on a Public Interest Litigation seeking to prevent environmental pollution caused by cement plants in Khrew area of Pulwama district.

A division bench of Chief Justice N Paulvasnthakumar and Justice Tashi Rabstan asked the government to file objections to the petition which also seeks cancellation of registration and No Objection Certificates (NOCs) of the cement plants that violate safety measures required for controlling and preventing air pollution.

Seeking directions for conducting a detailed survey of the area, the petitioners-- residents of Seerbagh colony of Khrew- through their counsel M Ashraf Wani further submitted that the representations filed by the locals against commissioning of the new cement plants in the area be considered by the government.

“Compensation be paid and utilized for repairing the loss caused to the environment under the principle of Polluters Pay Principle (PPP) and Corporate Social Responsibility,” the petitioners plead.

“State pollution control board be directed to visit the spot and conduct extensive study of the pollution caused by the cements plants and the existing cement plants be ordered to adhere to the preventive measures for controlling and abating the pollution. PCB be also directed to stop the functioning of such cement plants which do not adhere to the pollution control devices and other measures as provided under rules.”

Underlining that the cement manufacturing activity in the area is responsible for cause of air and water pollution which has caused great ecological imbalance, the petitioners submitted, “The people of the area have raised voice against the pollution caused by the existing cement plants because of non-adherence of norms and other such measures which are used for controlling and monitoring of pollution, however respondent State has reportedly given clean chit to commissioning of another cement plant having 600 MTs capacity namely Mehboob Cement Plant.”

“The cement plant is being commissioned at a stone’s throw from the residential colony, school and irrigation canal,” they submit.

Moreover, the petitioners pleaded, the area is known for saffron production which has marginally reduced because of the industrial activity.

“Wuyan and Khrew areas are famous for saffron cultivation and government of India and the State government has started project Saffron Mission to encourage saffron cultivation. It is paradoxical as in the area the cement plants are being commissioned without any check which is illogical and self destruction of economy.”

“The State is bound to follow the cherished principles of law which have emerged in environmental jurisprudence as laid down in various international treaties, protocols and the domestic law and the principles laid down by the Hon'ble Supreme Court and various High Courts. The petitioners have prepared the site plan showing location of cement plants including the proposed site for Mehboob cements viz-a-viz the residential area, hospital, school and the irrigation canal,” the petitioners plead.

Besides, the petitioners contend, an ancient temple is also located in the vicinity which hundreds of regular tourists visit from across India.

“We approached different authorities including Secretary Forest Department for stopping the commissioning of the cement plants. However, the Department showed no concern,” they plead.

-Greater Kashmir