Residents complain of pollution; action eludes
Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, Nov 10: A hot mix plant operating near Poshwan Colony in Boniyar area of Uri in district Baramulla is functioning without the mandatory clearances, causing severe air and environmental pollution, residents alleged today.
Locals said the plant, located along the Srinagar-Uri National Highway and used for the widening of the Baramulla-Uri road, emits thick black smoke and dust.
They said that the pollution is making it difficult to breathe and forcing residents to keep their doors and windows shut throughout the day.
“The toxic fumes and dust have turned our surroundings unbearable. Our children and elderly are falling sick due to constant exposure to smoke,” said one aggrieved resident, demanding immediate closure or relocation of the plant.
Residents said the situation has become alarming for those living close to the site as well as for nearby forested areas.
Environmentalists have also expressed concern over the plant’s proximity to forest land, warning that unchecked emissions could harm local wildlife and vegetation.
Despite repeated complaints, locals alleged that the authorities have failed to act.
They have urged the Pollution Control Committee (PCC) and district administration to enforce environmental safety norms and protect public health.
Tariq Ahmad Sofi, Division Officer at the Pollution Control Committee, confirmed to Excelsior that the plant is operating without the required clearance.
“It is a hot mix plant established by the company executing the Baramulla-Uri road-widening project. They had applied for an NOC, but the higher authorities rejected their case due to certain issues,” he said.
He noted that it is operating without consent, and the Division Office has submitted a closure order to the higher authorities.
Sofi added that the operators have been directed to suspend operations.
“We have visited the spot; on that occasion, it was not operating. They have reapplied for consent because there is no alternative site, but until approval is granted, they have been told not to operate,” Sofi said.
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