Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Nov 1: The Government has informed the Legislative Assembly that the cement factories in the Khrew-Wuyan belt are now “complying” with pollution control norms after being issued multiple notices and undergoing inspections by the J&K Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC)
Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp
In a written reply to a question asked by the MLA Pampore, Hasnain Masoodi, the Minister in charge of Forest, Ecology and Environment has stated that emissions from the area’s cement factories are being closely monitored and are “not hazardous to public health, livestock, or agriculture.”
“No, Sir,” the reply stated, denying that emissions were harmful. “The Government, through the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee, regularly monitors the air quality at various locations in the UT of J&K including Khrew-Wuyan to avoid any threat to public health, livestock, flora and fauna and agriculture of the area.”
Data from the Khrew Monitoring Station, as per the Government, showed the Average Air Quality Index (AQI) as 119 in 2021, 123 in 2022, 125 in 2023, and 119 in 2024.
“Based on the aforesaid data, the average air quality falls under the ‘Moderately Polluted Category,’” the Government said.
The Minister informed that after a Joint Committee report found violations, “legal notices were issued to seven units on 19.05.2023 for mitigation of emission levels and for taking corrective measures.”
In cement units, the Minister said, where non-compliances still persisted, another notice was issued on 20.03.2024. “They were again inspected in October 2025 and are complying with the Pollution Control norms.”
The Government added that a moratorium on new air-polluting industries, imposed vide Order No. 41-K PCC of 2021, remains in force.
“It shall continue for cement plants, stone crushers, brick kilns, mining and hot mix plants, till such time the annual average AQI falls below 100 or CEPI score below 60.”
The Minister has stated that cement industries with production capacity above 200 tonnes per day have installed Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (OCEMS), with real-time data uploaded to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
“For monitoring of ambient air quality, they have also been directed to install Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Systems (CAAQMS), which is under progress.”
On the use of Pet Coke, the Minister said it is being “strictly regulated” under the Jammu and Kashmir Pet Coke Furnace Oil Policy, 2020, and Supreme Court guidelines.
“Use of Pet Coke is permitted only in industries where it is absorbed along with the product, such as cement, lime kiln, and calcium carbide units,” he clarified.
Addressing concerns about wildlife, the Minister said, “Cement factories in Khrew and Khonmoh operate outside the limits of Dachigam National Park and its Eco-sensitive Zone, which is considered a viable habitat of the Kashmir Stag (Hangul).”
The post Cement factories in Kashmir now complying with norms appeared first on Daily Excelsior.