KD NEWS SERVICE
KATHUA, Dec 23: The Committee on Environment of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Monday undertook an extensive on-ground review of environmental issues arising from industrial activities at the SIDCO Industrial Estate, Ghatti Complex in Kathua district. The visit was led by the Committee Chairman, Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, MLA, with the objective of directly engaging with stakeholders and assessing growing public concerns over pollution, ecological degradation and its impact on local livelihoods.
The Committee has been entrusted by the Legislative Assembly with the responsibility of evaluating the impact of industrial waste and emissions on human health, agricultural land, flora and fauna, while also reviewing the effectiveness of safeguards put in place to maintain ecological balance and environmental protection in industrial zones.
Accompanying the Chairman during the visit were Committee members including MLA Chanapora Mustaq Guroo, MLA Kokernag Zafar Ali Khatana, MLA Gulabgarh Khurshied Ahmad, MLA Jasrota Rajiv Jasrotia and MLA Basohli Darshan Kumar. The interaction was also attended by senior government officials, including Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department Vikramjeet Singh; Chairman, Pollution Control Committee (PCC) Vasu Yadav; Director Industries and Commerce Jammu Arun Kumar Manhas; Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma; President of the Industrial Association Kathua, besides deputations representing various affected villages.
During the visit, the Committee held detailed deliberations with local residents, farmers, industrial representatives and civil society members to gain a first-hand understanding of the prevailing ground situation. Several deputations voiced serious apprehensions regarding environmental violations, alleged discharge of untreated effluents and the long-term consequences of unchecked industrial expansion in an ecologically sensitive and agriculturally dependent region.
One delegation strongly objected to the proposed acquisition of land for setting up a cement manufacturing unit near the villages of Kaalna and Bhatodi. The delegation pointed out that the area is predominantly agro-based and falls under a ‘red category’ zone, making it unsuitable for such a pollution-intensive industry. They asserted that establishing a cement plant in a densely populated and cultivated area would severely damage agricultural productivity, groundwater quality and overall environmental health. The delegation urged the authorities to relocate the proposed unit to an uninhabited area to protect both agriculture and ecology.
Another deputation, led by a former Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) member, alleged that certain industrial units operating in the estate are illegally discharging untreated effluents into nearby water bodies, in blatant violation of environmental safety norms prescribed by regulatory authorities. These discharges, the deputation claimed, have contaminated local water sources used for irrigation and domestic purposes.
Echoing similar concerns, a deputation from Jhang village informed the Committee that wastewater released by some industrial units contains high concentrations of harmful chemicals, which have already caused visible damage to crops and soil fertility in the area. Farmers highlighted declining yields and expressed fear of long-term land degradation if the issue remains unaddressed.
MLA Jasrota Rajiv Jasrotia drew the Committee’s attention to the ecological sensitivity of the region, pointing out that the proposed site for the cement unit is surrounded by a wildlife sanctuary. He cautioned that industrial activity in close proximity to protected wildlife areas could disrupt natural habitats, threaten biodiversity and upset the fragile ecological balance.
To substantiate their claims, the deputations submitted samples of water and affected crops to the Committee for scientific examination and verification. The Committee also sought detailed information from officials regarding the functioning and efficiency of Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) installed by industrial units, as well as the extent to which local youth are being provided employment by these industries.
After patiently hearing all stakeholders and reviewing the submissions, the Committee announced the constitution of a high-level inspection team to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the affected areas. The team will be headed by the Chairman, Pollution Control Committee, and will include the Deputy Commissioner Kathua along with other concerned departmental officers. The team has been directed to conduct field visits, verify allegations, examine environmental compliance and submit a detailed report to the Committee within fifteen days.
In his concluding remarks, Chairman Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami assured the local population that their concerns would be addressed with utmost seriousness. He stated that once the high-level team submits its report, the Committee on Environment will re-examine the situation in depth, taking into account scientific findings as well as feedback from residents and stakeholders. Reiterating the Committee’s commitment to safeguarding public health and environmental safety, Tarigami categorically asserted that no industrial activity would be permitted or promoted at the cost of people’s lives, livelihoods and overall well-being.
