Pampore, May 19: Residents of multiple villages in Khrew area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district have expressed resentment over the government proposal to establish a new cement factory in their area.
Secretary Social Welfare Forum Khrew, Ghulam Mohammad Wani, said: “We strongly oppose the proposal of setting up a new cement factory in Khrew area.”
“We have been facing pollution related issues since 1979, when the first cement plant was established in Khrew area, and now setting up a new factory will add to our miseries,” said Wani.
He said that their elders had consented the setting up of cement factories in Khrew, only after they were assured in writing by the owners of these cement factories that pollution would be kept under check; besides, they would initiate people welfare measures in the area. “Pollution here is already adversely affecting the human population, saffron production, as well as livestock,” he added.
Ghulam Ahmad Bhat, another civil society member of Khrew, said that unabated pollution being produced by the cement factories has ruined their agriculture and water resources.
The residents said that they have already conveyed their opposition to the authorities of pollution control board (PCB).
When contacted a PCB official said: “We heard the views of the locals during a public hearing. The views whether in favor or against have been recorded and will be forwarded to government.”
