Srinagar: Hasnain Masoodi, Member of Parliament today called on RR Bhatnagar Advisor to LG and highlighted adverse consequences of dust pollution and emissions from half a dozen cement factories and limestone mines operating in Khrew on agriculture, horticulture, public health, top soil, underground water and other components of ecosystem in the area.
He lamented that though the cement industry was collecting huge profit, at the cost of the health and economic avenues of the local population and use of local resources, yet very little is being done to compensate the local population adversely affected by the ever increasing pollution. Masoodi demanded that the administration should facilitate dialogue with the cement industry and persuade it to adopt the local area, contribute to its development and provide for the utilities and amenities like electricity, water etc to the affected population as is the practice across the country.
Masoodi emphasising that any further emissions and dust pollution would be beyond carrying capacity of the local environment, demanded that instead of auction to set up a new cement plant, JKCL area be used to set up an industrial estate with eco-friendly and non-polluting industrial units to be set up by local unemployed youth, and a part of it be earmarked for setting up degree college and other facilities in the area. Masoodi demanded that 51 DRW who have spent a good part of their life serving JKCL and have been left behind be, like other employees of JKCL deputed to other departments. He submitted a written request with the supporting documents in this regard. The Advisor assured to look into the issues raised including the plight of 51 left out DRW of JKCL. (GNS)
