Pulwama, June 21: Authorities in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district have sealed around 110 industrial units found operating without mandatory clearances and pollution control mechanisms.
According to Bilal Ahmad Khan, Divisional Officer of the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) for Pulwama, the action was taken against units functioning without consent from the competent authorities and without adopting any pollution control devices.
“The closure orders were executed by the office of Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Dr. Basharat Qayoom. The district administration deserves full credit for this firm step,” Khan told Rising Kashmir.
The sealed establishments primarily include brick kilns and stone crushers.
These were located in several areas of the district, including Lassipora, Khrew, Pampore, Khadermoh, Kakapora, and Awantipora.
Officials said the move was driven by consistent complaints from local residents and environmental concerns raised on social media, citing unchecked emissions and environmental degradation due to the operations of these units.
“The level of pollution from some of these sites had become unbearable for nearby communities,” said a resident from Khrew, echoing sentiments shared by many affected villagers.
A significant number of these units were also found to be in violation of Standing Order (S.O.) 60, which is a legal prerequisite to ascertain the legitimacy of land use for industrial purposes.
“We may reconsider the closures, but only if the concerned unit holders are able to produce valid S.O. 60 documentation,” Khan added.
The crackdown has garnered widespread appreciation from local communities, environmental groups, and civil society organisations.
Many have hailed the step as a sign that the administration is taking pollution control and environmental protection seriously.
“This sends a strong message to violators and assures people that their health and environment matter,” said a local environmental activist.
