JKPCC conducts public hearing at Kharah Balli for minor mineral blocks

JAMMU, JULY 04: A Public Hearing was organized by JKPCC  here in Kharah Balli in terms of Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006 of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India for minor mineral mining of Blocks 5/30, 5/32 situated at Khourwali Khad.

The Panel of Public Hearing was headed by. Anil Kumar Thakur, SDM Khour while other members were Dr. Gulshan Kumar, District Mineral Officer, Jammu, Bader Hussain, Divisional Officer PCC Udhampur representing Regional Director Jammu and Anil Sharma, Divisional Officer, Pollution Control Committee, Jammu North.

The SDM Khour listened patiently to the issues raised during the public hearing and said that it is the endeavor of the government to ensure that the mining activity is carried out only as per the guidelines of the Mining department. He said that the purpose of conducting a public hearing is to hear the views of people of surrounding areas regarding the renewal of EC of the existing two blocks. He also assured that all the points raised by the people during the public hearing are recorded and sent to Competent Authority i.e. JKEIAA for consideration so that those issues are appropriately addressed before the grant of renewal of Environmental Clearance.

Anil Sharma, Divisional officer, PCC Jammu North in his opening address stated that for river bed mining projects, having area more than 5 ha, requires mandatory Public Hearing before renewal of Environmental Clearance as per EIA Notification 2006. He said that the purpose of conducting public hearing was to hear the views of the people of surrounding areas regarding the mining blocks for renewal of Environmental Clearance, he also briefed the public about the importance of conducting Public Hearing and the role of JKPCC.

Dr. Gulshan Kumar, District Mineral Officer, Geology and Mining department Jammu informed that the current public hearing is for the grant of renewal of EC for two blocks and replied to the queries raised by the public during the proceedings.

Bader Hussain, Divisional Officer, Pollution Control Committee, Udhampur representing Regional Director, JKPCC Jammu, also briefed the public about the importance of conducting Public Hearing and role of JKPCC.

Various public representatives viz. DDC Member Bhushan Sharma, Block Bhalwal Brahmana, Sarpanch Kharah Balli and prominent citizens of the area presented their view points and suggestions before the panel. Project Consultant of M/s P and M Solutions Noida, UP gave details about the salient features of the EIA and mining project.

Vote of thanks to the chair was presented by Narayan Thakur, Field Inspector. In addition to the Public Hearing programme, a pledge was also taken to promote the Mission Life Campaign.