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| Authorities bending rules to benefit cement factories | | | Ishtiyaq Ahmad
Early Times Report
Srinagar, July 13: While pollution caused by cement factories in Khrew area of south Kashmir has adversely affected wildlife in neighbouring Dachigam area, it has come to fore that the concerned authorities are bending rules to benefit the factory owners.
According to rules, any new cement factory which has to be established in the vicinity of Dachigam habitat, has to pay five percent of the total project cost towards wildlife conservation after getting all the clearances.
However, sources alleged that the authorities in league with factory owners show the project cost less while submitting their proposals for approval. "The owners of a recently established cement factory in the area did the same by greasing the palms of concerned officers. While the actual cost of the factory was more than 100 crores, the proposal submitted for permission was shown under value to save a huge amount," they alleged.
"Similarly, another cement factory which has sought the permission has submitted its 2006 proposal which is merely Rs 56 crores. However, due to the cost escalation the current value of the project is nearly Rs 300 crores and the Bank will have to finance the factory for the same amount," sources revealed.
"The concerned officers charge hefty amount from the factory owners for showing their proposals undervalue. However, the government is crores of rupees in this," they added.
A senior official said that currently several projects are pending before the government for approvals. "The higher officers are trying to take the advantage of Governor rule and place these proposals before Advisor to Governor for approval without fulfilling all the formalities," he said.
"As the Advisor is not well versed with the rules yet, the higher officers want to take advantage of that and are in hurry to get the proposals approved. They have already taken a huge money from the factory owners for the same," he alleged.
"The corrupt approach of the authorities to deal with the issue besides polluting eco-sensitive environment has raised serious question mark over the survival of some rare animal species in the area including 'Hangul' stag," he added. |
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