Bharat Bhushan
Jammu, April 07
Industries are very important for the economic growth of any area but at the same time we have to see that it is not taking toll on human lives. For of now nothing such has been done. The three industrial areas in the erstwhile district of Jammu i.e., Gangyal, Bari Brahmana and Samba have been established within the residential areas which have now started taking toll on human lives.
Various health issues like many types of cancers, heart diseases, renal failures, lung diseases etc., apart from other problems are on rise which is killing people now. The government had never bothered to conduct a health survey in these areas to ascertain the exact cause behind rise of such diseases. The air pollution, water pollution as well as noise pollution go unchecked. The so-called State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) is mere a toothless tiger and has no control over various industrial units producing many types of hazardous waste.
Creating industrial hubs away from residential areas on barren land can offer several advantages, such as minimizing pollution and noise in residential neighborhoods while providing an economic boost to the region. Identify barren or underused land that is not currently being utilized for agriculture, housing, or environmental conservation. This land should be capable of handling large-scale industrial development with minimal environmental impact.
Establish buffer zones between the industrial hub and any nearby residential or environmental areas. These zones can be used for green spaces, infrastructure like roads, or agricultural land, which helps reduce the impact of pollution and noise. Presently there is no such buffer zone in any of the industrial hub either established or being established.
Incorporate robust systems for waste disposal, recycling, and management to ensure that the industrial activities do not pollute the environment or adjacent land. Presently, there is no waste mechanism in place and industries are dumping their waste in the nallahs and khads (Balol Nallah near Bari Brahmana industrial area is a glaring example). While the effluent is being thrown untreated into drains and other water bodies which is badly impacting soil and leading to contamination.
By designing an industrial hub on barren land that is separate from residential areas, you can ensure that industrial growth happens in a sustainable, efficient, and responsible manner, benefitting both businesses and communities.