Suhail Bhat
SRINAGAR, Sept 24: The ongoing lockdown is turning out to be blessing in disguise for the residents of twin Industrial hubs of Kashmir-Khrew and Khonmoh- on the outskirts of Srinagar as the shutting of cement factories have improved the ambient air.
The picturesque hamlets lie around 23- kilometres from Srinagar city and are surrounding by mountains and woods. The areas produce world famous saffron and have agricultural land as well. However, the setting up of cement factories has adversely affected the flora and fauna of the area that always remain shrouded with a dense smoke.
The cement factories emit over thousand kilograms of toxic emissions everyday which has not only deteriorated the air but has taken a toll on the human health as well. The factories are shut since Aug 5.
The residents of the areas told Excelsior that with the closing of the cement factories they woke up with crystal clear sky and pleasant mornings. “It feels as if we are living in an entirely different neighbourhood. The morning is so pleasing that one can feel the freshness in the air,” Gowher Ahmad, a locals said, adding that the chirping of the birds can also be heard clearly.
Abdul Ahad, a resident of Khrew area told Excelsior that the freshness reminds him of the times when there were no smoke emitting factories in the area. “During those years the air was so clear that one could actually feel it. The whole area was lush green and plenty of birds could be seen flying in the area. Everything has gone now,” he said.
He informed that the first cement factory in Khrew area was established in 1984 by Kashmir Cement Project (KCP) and local youth were employed in it as promised by factory owners. Although, the economy of the area improved but at the expense of environment. “Until 2004, there was lone factory in the area but afterwards, more factories were established in the area,” he added.
The locals activists want employment but not at the cost of environment. “Yes we want employment as cement factories are using our resources, but we also want safe and secure life which is above everything,” said a local employee working in JK cement.
However, the shutting of cement factories has thrown certain challenges for some residents. There are around nine cement factories in the areas more than 70% of workforce is from local population and the transportation of cement is also carried out by trucks owned by locals. According to estimate, each household in Khew and Khonmoh own trucks. There are more than 1200 trucks in the area which are lying idle.
While Truck Unions have direct dealings with factories, they are more concerned with their ties with the factories rather than pollution caused by them. “These factories provide us livelihood and why should I protest against them. It is like axing on my own hands,” said a truck driver, Abdul Hameed.
As truck unions earn huge revenue from cement factories, they are least bothered about the big issues and have domination in the region. Therefore, who is to be blamed for the pollution in the region? Locals, who work for cement factories, or factories, which employs them.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
