Srinagar, Mar 17, KNT: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary informed the Legislative Assembly that the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) has extended restrictions on setting up new air-polluting industries in Khrew (Pulwama) and Khonmoh (Srinagar). The moratorium, initially imposed for two years in 2021, remains in effect for certain industries.
Responding to a query raised by legislator Hasnain Masoodi, Choudhary said the JKPCC reviewed the order on December 20, 2023. Based on its decision dated January 1, 2024, the ban will continue for cement plants, stone crushers, brick kilns, mining operations, and hot mix plants until the annual Air Quality Index (AQI) falls below 100 or the Comprehensive Environmental Pollution Index (CEPI) score drops below 60. He assured the House that air quality in the affected areas would be closely monitored.
Addressing concerns about Jammu & Kashmir Cements Ltd. (JKCL), the Deputy Chief Minister revealed that all three plants under the company have remained shut since 2019 due to power shortages, frequent technical breakdowns, and financial instability. He highlighted that production suffered due to multiple setbacks, including the 2014 floods, the 2016 unrest, and the COVID-19 lockdown in 2019, ultimately leading to a complete halt in operations.
Choudhary further stated that JKCL is undergoing disinvestment, with the Administrative Council of the Union Territory approving the full sale of the company and its assets. The decision, taken on October 19, 2021, allows for a strategic disinvestment process through e-auctioning to qualified bidders.
