Khrew up in arms against cement factories, observes shutdown
The inhabitants said the industries were cause of noise pollution. “It has become impossible for us to withstand the noise due to the mixers and crushers in the area.
Residents of Khrew in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district staged a protest and observed complete shut down on second running day on Tuesday against the pollution created by the cement factories in the area.
The protesters said factories have become main source of pollution in the area affecting public health at large, adding that they would intensify protests in case authorities fail to resolve the issue.
The inhabitants said the area is suffering due to dust and poisonous chemicals emanating from these factories. “The pollution due to the industries has badly hit saffron fields. We are losing our crop and our health is also getting affected,” said Adil Bhat, coordinator civil society Khrew.
The inhabitants said the industries were cause of noise pollution. “It has become impossible for us to withstand the noise due to the mixers and crushers in the area,” said Arif Ahmad, another local.
He added the industries have been wrongly claiming that they provide roads, employment and other facilities to the inhabitants. “They are a mere cause of pollution in the area and we are in no way getting benefited from these units,” he said.
“We are witnessing unprecedented decrease in production since the plants came up in Khrew and Khanmoh,” said a local farmer. “We have knocked at many doors but still we remain unheard,” he added.
At least six cement factories are functional in the area and few more are likely to come up in the area, if locals are to be believed.
“Our water resources have fallen victim to pollution from illegal stone mining and cement factories,” said locals, adding, “The cement plants should be subjected to stringent pollution tests and allowed to operate after the factories adhere to the prescribed regulations with reference to public health and the world wide health guidelines of World Health Organization.”
They added that presently 75% of locals are suffering from respiratory troubles.”
“We will intensify our protests in case authorities fail to take redress our genuine grievances without any further delay,” locals threatened.
