A recent notification of Jammu Kashmir government to allow the operations of stone crushers without prior permission from the concerned authorities drew flak from all the corners. Without seeking the environmental clearances by the concerned authorities, anyone can set up a new unit of hot and wet stone crushers.
Till now the only privilege J&K UT was having the fresh air and pristine water bodies though a good number of water bodies have already fallen prey to the encroachers. Once the fresh plants of hot and wet mixing stone crushers are set up now, it can potentially damage the flora and fauna.
Some environmentalists have flagged off the concerns and claim that natural habitats of the fish will vanish in coming times now. The fish industry, on the other side, is being tapped as yet another economic opportunity in the UT.
Post abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, the Union Government is announcing various incentives for the industrialists to visit UT and set up their business. The laws for the same have been simplified.
This is seen as a hope of massive investments coming up to UT to enhance job and economic opportunities for local youth. This is a welcome set up and any saner voices can back the moves.
Owing to the fragile ecology of the UT in general and Kashmir in particular, some radars to protect its environment, water bodies, forest cover and wetlands, are must. There cannot be free passes to encourage industrialization.
Priorities must be set and eco friendly industrial set ups must be encouraged. It was hoped that the encroached water bodies, wetlands and forest land illegally being grabbed by influential people will be vacated and in general will be protected from further shrinking, however, nothing such seems to be happening.
Even after the UT coming under the direct control of New Delhi with significant reduction of influence of local political parties, no protection seems guaranteed as yet for its environment.
Not only, the Union government shall revoke or amend its decision regarding the operation of hot and wet stone crushers in Jammu and Kashmir, it is also needed to draw a comprehensive policy for the protection of all eco fragile places.
For that a priority must be devised to encourage the eco friendly industrial set up with Kashmir having immense potential in the sectors like Horticulture, agriculture, tourism, sports handicrafts etc.
