SRINAGAR: The Regional Officer and Member Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) has submitted an affidavit to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) stating that 134 brick kilns in three districts of Kashmir have resumed operations, despite closure orders issued by the authorities.
The officer reported that the administration is yet to recover environmental compensation amounting to Rs 84.8 lakh from 21 brick kilns operating in Jammu & Kashmir.
Notices were served to the newly impleaded respondents, in accordance with the NGT order dated May 21, 2024. The JKPCC filed the affidavit within the required timeline, after which a copy of the NGT’s order was provided.
The JKPCC has initiated legal action against the 21 violators and has requested the Regional Director in Jammu to provide the necessary documentation regarding the environmental compensation related to these brick kilns.
On July 31, 2024, the Regional Director issued instructions for the compensation formats concerning the brick kilns in the districts of Jammu and Samba. Notices were served to the 21 violators on August 3, 2024, with instructions to respond within ten days.
However, the violators have not responded, leading to the issuance of environmental compensation orders against them, the officer claimed.
The Regional Director of JKPCC in Kashmir said that 134 brick kilns in the districts of Budgam, Anantnag, and Kulgam have resumed operations in violation of NGT and JKPCC closure orders.
The JKPCC has submitted a list of these illegal activities to the Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir and the District Collectors of the concerned districts to ensure compliance with the NGT orders. This follows the JKPCC’s directive to its regional and divisional officers to report the matter to legal prosecution bodies under the Water and Air Pollution Acts.
So far, complaints have been lodged against 20 brick kilns, with many more cases under review. Environmental compensation will be recovered from the defaulting units, based on the severity of their offences. (KNO)
