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| Stone crushers pose threat to life, Vishu River | | | Saahil Suhail
Anantnag/Kulgam Nov 23: The inhabitants of Mutalhama and adjoining areas in district Kulgam have castigated the authorities for allowing operation of mobile stone crushers in densely populated areas.
According to locals, the mobile stone crusher plants belong to some influential persons. "The ash and dust emanating from the stone crusher adversely affects the population, nearby water resources and agriculture land in the area," they said. "This plant setup at Matalhama is posing a grave threat to the environment and health of people residing in the surrounding villages," they added.
Locals alleged that the concerned Pollution Control Board (PCB) is issuing clearance in total violation of norms. "How other departments including Fisheries and Industries have cleared such plants needs to be probed," the locals questioned.
"The ash emanating from the stone crushers spreads to the villages damaging agricultural land and also causing several health problems to the inhabitants," they rued adding the ash coming out from the crushers was also polluting the water bodies and nearby Nallah that is the only surface drinking water source in the area.
Mobile stone crusher illegally established by Ramki Construction Company near the Nallah Vishu at Matulhama has thrown laws to the winds.
The administration, sources said, confirmed that the mobile stone crusher has been established illegally by the said company and several departments have not issued any NOC for the setting up of the mobile stone crusher. However the administration has failed to take action.
The sate government has taken measures including raising of bands on both sides of the river Vishu but illegal mining in the area can cause flash floods in summer, the locals explained.
The Deputy Commissioner, Kulgam Jahangir Ahmad Mir, agreed that the said company had thrown all laws to winds. He said the administration has taken steps to seal the plant.
"Yes, I have sent ADDC and other officers on site and they were directed to stop the work but unfortunately some residents having vested interests are creating hurdles in the process and that is the reason we have not yet sealed the plant",he said, adding that the administration is going to seal the plant in days and also the problem creators will be dealt according to law.
He said, "ten to fifteen people are creating problems by various means for the administration in the process however we will not allow any body to violate the laws and the environment will be protected at any cost." |
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