Complaint Alleges Violation of NGT Guidelines, Demands Environmental Impact Assessment
- Residents of Panchayat Garkhal, Akhnoor, are vehemently opposing a proposed stone crusher project, citing severe threats to their environment, agricultural lands, and livelihoods.
- They allege discrepancies in the land classification, claiming the proposed site is wrongly designated as barren land despite being surrounded by active farmlands.
- Concerns about hazardous waste contamination, traffic congestion, noise pollution, and potential violations of NGT guidelines have been raised.
- Residents have appealed to the Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, and the Sub-Divisional Forest Officer, demanding a thorough investigation and the rejection of the stone crusher project.
jj correspondent
Akhnoor, May 23: Residents of Panchayat Garkhal in Jammu’s Akhnoor tehsil are vehemently opposing a proposed stone crusher project, citing grave concerns over its potential impact on their agricultural lands, livelihoods, and the surrounding environment.
On April 22, 2024, twenty-three prominent residents submitted a formal complaint to the Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, urging the rejection of a CLU application (No. 12693011202320779936) filed by Kashmir Singh, son of Late Kartar Singh, a resident of Garkhal. The application seeks permission to establish a stone crusher unit on Kasra No. 277, measuring 5 Kanals and 15 Marlas (115 Marlas), located within the Panchayat.
The residents argue that the proposed site, situated near actively cultivated agricultural land, lacks proper road access and poses significant risks to the environment and public safety. They highlight the potential for hazardous waste from the stone crusher to contaminate surrounding farmlands and water resources, jeopardizing their livelihoods and food security. Furthermore, they express concerns about increased traffic congestion, noise pollution, and potential health hazards associated with the project.
Adding to their concerns, the residents point out a discrepancy in the land classification by the Revenue Department, which has categorized the proposed site as “Banjar Kadeem” (barren land) despite being surrounded by actively cultivated fields. They have also raised this discrepancy with the Agriculture Department, urging the Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer (SDAO), Akhnoor, to investigate the matter.
Citing the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) guidelines, the residents emphasize the importance of conducting a thorough environmental impact assessment before approving such projects. They implore the Deputy Commissioner to prioritize the well-being of the community and the environment by rejecting the CLU application.
The area was designated as Gair Mumkin Darya (riverbed land) before 1986, raising questions about how the land use was subsequently changed to benefit a specific crusher owner. They demand a thorough investigation into the matter and insist that no permission be granted for a crusher at this site.
In a separate appeal submitted to the Sub-Divisional Forest Officer, Social Forestry Jammu, on May 18, 2024, the residents also raised concerns about the project’s potential threat to a natural nursery in the vicinity.
The residents are now eagerly awaiting the district administration’s response, hoping their concerns will be addressed and their livelihoods and environment protected. The situation raises critical questions about the balance between development and sustainability, urging the administration to prioritize the long-term well-being of the community and its natural resources.
