Srinagar, Jul 28: The residents of Sempora, Zaffron Colony have alleged that in a brazen violation of rules due to the patronage of government officials, a stone-crushing unit was illegally functional at the residential area.
A delegation of the area, who visited Press Colony amidst the lockdown, stated that on one hand we are looming under potential threat of Coronavirus on the other hand a stone-crushing unit in our residential area at Sempora, Zaffron Colony Lane 1and2 Iqra Mohalla opposite Indian Oil Depo, is the source of huge environmental and noise pollution.
The residents alleged that the stone crusher by the name ‘Valley Stone Crusher’ is functional illegally over the years, adding, the Hon’ble court also put restriction on its functioning earlier, however due to the alleged official patronage the crusher is once again functional and goes unchecked by the officials.
The residents further added, since the stone-crushing unit is running during the night hours, we are also exposed to greater noise pollution as the numbers of vehicles arrive to collect and unload raw material, besides, dust rising from the crushers has been found to be causing an abnormal incidence of renal failure, throat ailments and other infections which can be dangerous at a time when Coronavirus threat is looming.
The delegation appealed the concerned authority especially the J&K Pollution Control Board to take strong action against those persons who are operating this stone-crushing unit illegally.
Meanwhile when Onlykashmir[dot]in called the regional director, J&K Pollution Control Board, Mr. Rafi Ahmad Bhat on phone, he assured strong action in this regard, adding, I have already directed the district officer to come with a report.
