Slew of measures taken to prevent rising air, water, noise pollution in J&K: Govt

Jammu, Mar 10: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday said a series of measures have been implemented to control the rising levels of noise, air and water pollution across the Union Territory.
Responding to a question from MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also oversees the Housing and Urban Development Department, said that noise pollution is regulated under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000. He said strict regulations are in place to ensure that noise levels do not exceed prescribed limits.
“Authorities have been given the power to take action against violations, and measures have been taken to prevent the installation or use of public address systems and audio devices without sound limiters,” the CM said.
Regarding air pollution, Abdullah said that industries in J&K are regulated under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, requiring them to install Air Pollution Control Devices. Air quality is monitored at 45 stations across the UT for PM 10, PM 2.5, NO2, and SO2 levels. Diesel generator sets ranging from 61 kW to 800 kW are required to install emission control devices that achieve at least 70% particulate matter reduction.
“Random vehicular emission checks are being conducted regularly, and the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) is being implemented in Jammu and Srinagar to reduce particulate matter concentrations. A Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station (CAAQMS) has been installed in Rajbagh, Srinagar, for real-time air quality monitoring,” he said.
To further curb air pollution, the Chief Minister said the J&K Pollution Control Committee (PCC) has imposed a moratorium on new air-polluting industries in Khrew, Khonmoh, and Ghatti Kathua. High-pollution Red Category industries are prohibited from setting up operations, while only select Orange and Green Category industries are permitted.
The adoption of Zig-zag Technology has been made mandatory for brick kilns to minimise emissions, he said, adding that the introduction of e-buses, e-autos, e-rickshaws, and a Public Bicycle Sharing System aims to reduce vehicular emissions.
The government has also implemented an Intelligent Traffic Control System to minimize congestion and emissions from idling vehicles. Awareness programmes and plantation drives are being conducted regularly as part of the environmental protection strategy.
On the issue of water pollution, Omar said industries are regulated under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, which mandates the installation of Effluent Treatment and Disposal Systems. Water quality monitoring is being conducted under the National Water Quality Monitoring Programme (NWMP) at 53 locations in Jammu and 118 locations in Kashmir.
He said the government is also actively monitoring sewage treatment plants and potable water sources. “The Clean River Campaign is an ongoing initiative led by the J&K PCC to protect water bodies. Additional steps include the construction of interceptor drains, sewage networks, and sewage treatment plants (STPs) in a phased manner, as well as pond rejuvenation and rainwater harvesting projects,” Abdullah said.
The CM further said that seven sewage treatment plants have been constructed or made functional in J&K in the past two years. These include four STPs in Jammu: a 4 MLD plant at Belicharana, an 8 MLD plant at Baryal, Udhampur, a 4 MLD plant at Omara Morh, and a 1.6 MLD plant at Pittanbarh. He said a 1.2 MLD STP has been set up at Karlah, Patnitop. In Srinagar, two plants have been made functional: a 6 MLD plant at Alluchibagh and a 2.21 MLD plant at Rajbagh. (KNO)