STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Setting up of an industrial unit in residential areas in Sohawara, Kunjwani, Jammu was challenged through a Public Interest Litigation filed by one Attar Singh, a social activist of the area. In the PIL it has been submitted that the industrial unit set-up by Sarweshar Overseas is causing air and water pollution in the area.
A Division Bench of state High Court comprising Chief Justice MM Kumar and Justice Tashi Rabstan observed that in the objections filed by Pollution Control Board, the stand taken is that the rice shelling unit M/s Sarveshwar Overseas, village Sohawara, Kunjwani, Jammu has been granted permission by the Industrial Department as well as by the Pollution Control Board and the current permission is also accorded from 1st April, 2014 to 31st March, 2016.
Division Bench further observed that in the objections, Secretary PCB has taken a stand that some scattered houses are located across the approach road of the unit which are not affected by the operation of the unit either by noise pollution or by air pollution. Therefore, it is conceded fact that the industry is in the vicinity of the residential area. The Pollution Control Board has failed to disclose the parameters for setting up the industries by providing the distance between the residential area and the industries, national/state highways and the industry or any other sitting parameters.
These parameters are in operation in all the states which have been framed under the Pollution Control Act 1986 and directed that an additional affidavit be filed by Secretary, Pollution Control Board clarifying the aforesaid position within three weeks. JNF
