Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Dec 26: Residents in the Wuyan area of Pampore in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district today raised concerns over the closed and decaying cement factory, which has transformed into a haven for wild animals, posing a threat to the community.
The factory, inactive for the past 15 years, has become a cause for concern, particularly following recent incidents such as a leopard attack on a local truck driver. The residents urged the government to dismantle the unused factory and repurpose the land for a new business.
They emphasise the necessity of utilising the space effectively for the community’s benefit amid growing concern among residents about potential dangers from wild animals. “We urgently request the attention of Government officials to address this escalating problem,” a local said.
Truck driver Ajaz Ahmad Bhat, who narrowly escaped a leopard attack near the factory, emphasised the need for Government intervention to resolve the issue. “The government must rescue the wild animals and either dismantle or repurpose the factory for the safety of the community,” he said.
He said that despite the wildlife department installing a cage on the premises, no rescues have been made, leaving the situation unresolved. “Despite the wildlife department’s installation of a cage on the premises, no rescues have been made, and the situation remains unresolved. We are living in constant threat,” he said.
Local advocate Zameer Farooq echoed similar concerns about the risks the neglected factory poses to the community. “We cannot overlook the risks involved. The government must take immediate action,” he said.
Zameer suggested a transformative approach to the factory area. “We should turn it into a new business to generate revenue and employment opportunities. There is a need to dispose of the defunct machinery and replace it with new equipment to comprehensively resolve the issue,” he said.
The residents appealed to the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, to intervene in the matter for the safety and welfare of the people.
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