KATHUA: The Committee on Environment of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, headed by its Chairman Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, MLA, today visited the SIDCO Industrial Estate, Ghatti Complex, Kathua to interact with the stakeholders and take stock of environmental concerns related to industrial activities in the area.
The Committee has been mandated to assess the impact of industrial waste on human health, flora, fauna and agricultural land besides reviewing the status of measures taken for maintaining ecological balance and environmental protection.
During the visit, MLA Chanapora, Mustaq Guroo, MLA Kokernag, Zafar Ali Khatana, MLA Gulabgarh, Khurshied Ahmad, MLA Jasrota Rajiv Jasrotia and MLA Basohli Darshan Kumar, who are members of the Committee, were present.
Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, Vikramjeet Singh, Chairman Pollution Control Committee, Vasu Yadav, Director Industries and Commerce Jammu, Arun Kumar Manhas, Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma, President Industrial Association Kathua and deputations from different areas also attended the interaction.
The Committee took first-hand appraisal of the issues and concerns raised by various deputations. It held detailed discussions on the prevailing ground situation, environmental implications and apprehensions of the local population.
A delegation raised objections to the proposed acquisition of land for the establishment of a cement industry near Kaalna–Bhatodi villages, stating that the area is agro-dependent and falls under the red category zone. The delegation maintained that such an industry should be set up in an uninhabited area to safeguard agriculture and the environment.
Another deputation, led by an ex-PRI member, alleged that certain industrial units are discharging effluents into local water bodies in violation of prescribed safety norms.
A deputation from Jhang village informed the Committee that wastewater from some industrial units contains chemical concentrations that have adversely affected crops in the area.
MLA Jasrota Rajiv Jasrotia also pointed out that the proposed site for the cement unit is surrounded by a wildlife sanctuary, raising serious ecological concerns.
The deputations also submitted water and crop samples to the Committee for examination.
The Committee further enquired about the functioning of Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) and the extent of local employment being provided by the industrial units.
After patiently hearing all the stakeholders, the Committee constituted a high-level team headed by the Chairman, Pollution Control Committee, along with the Deputy Commissioner Kathua and other concerned officers, to visit the affected areas, assess the ground situation in detail and submit a comprehensive report to the Committee within fifteen days for further action.
In his concluding remarks, the Chairman assured the people that after submission of the report by the high-level team, the Committee on Environment will re-examine the emerging situation in detail and assess the findings in consultation with the feedback received from the local residents. He reiterated that the Committee is committed to protecting public health and environmental safety. He categorically assured that no industrial activity would be allowed or encouraged at the cost of the lives, livelihood and well-being of the people.