SRINAGAR, March 17 – The
Jammu and Kashmir government has extended the moratorium on new cement plants, mining operations, and other air-polluting industries in
Khrew (Pulwama) and Khonmoh (Srinagar), Deputy Chief Minister
Surinder Choudhary informed the Legislative Assembly.
Responding to a query from
Hasnain Masoodi, Choudhary stated that the
J&K Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) had originally imposed the
two-year ban in 2021. After a review on
December 20, 2023, the committee decided on
January 1, 2024, to
continue the moratorium for cement plants,
stone crushers, brick kilns, mining operations, and hot mix plants until the region’s air quality improves. The restriction will remain in place
until the annual Air Quality Index (AQI) drops below 100 or the
Comprehensive Environmental Pollution Index (CEPI) score falls below 60.
Environmental Concerns and Air Quality Monitoring
Choudhary assured that the government would
regularly monitor air quality in Khrew and Khonmoh to assess pollution levels. The decision comes amid growing concerns over deteriorating air quality in the region due to industrial activities.
JK Cements Ltd. Shutdown and Disinvestment
Addressing concerns over
Jammu & Kashmir Cements Ltd. (JKCL), Choudhary revealed that
all three JKCL plants have remained non-operational since 2019 due to
power supply issues, lack of maintenance, and financial losses. He highlighted major setbacks, including:
- Frequent power interruptions leading to production losses.
- Breakdowns due to poor maintenance.
- Impact of events such as the 2014 floods, the 2016 unrest, and the 2019 COVID-19 lockdown.
Due to heavy financial losses, the
Administrative Council of J&K approved the complete disinvestment of JKCL on
October 19, 2021. The company and its assets will be sold
“as-is, where-is” through
strategic disinvestment and e-auctioning.
Employee Welfare and Pay Benefits
Regarding employee concerns, the
Deputy CM assured that pensionary benefits for retired JKCL employees have been included in the
2024-25 revised budget. He also confirmed that
6th Pay Commission benefits have been implemented for JKCL employees.
With the
ban on new polluting industries extended and
JKCL undergoing disinvestment, the government’s focus remains on
environmental protection and industrial restructuring in Jammu & Kashmir.
