Pulwama, J & K : The Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) has ordered action against brick kilns operating without valid environmental consent and other mandatory documents in Pulwama, prompting brick kiln owners to urge the authorities to provide them additional time to complete the required formalities.

The action has caused concern among brick kiln owners, who said that several units have already applied for renewal of their expired environmental consent and are awaiting completion of the approval process.

Khursheed Ahmad Malik, a brick kiln owner, said they have requested the concerned authorities to allow them one to two months to complete the pending formalities. He said many owners have already submitted their applications and are willing to comply with all requirements laid down by the department.

The owners said sudden closure of the units could put them under financial pressure as many of them have taken loans from banks to establish and operate their brick kilns. They said prolonged closure could make it difficult for them to repay loans and meet other financial obligations.

They also expressed concern over the impact of the closure on local employment. Apart from local workers, several migrant labourers from Uttar Pradesh and other parts of the country are engaged at the brick kilns and depend on the units for their livelihood.

Workers said that if the kilns remain closed for a prolonged period, they could lose their source of income and may be forced to return to their native places in search of other employment opportunities.

Safeer Ahmad, a postgraduate student of Sociology who is currently working at a brick kiln, said the lack of employment opportunities and his inability to secure a government job had left him with limited options. He said he was working at the brick kiln to earn a livelihood and support himself.

Other workers said brick kilns provide seasonal employment to a large number of people and any prolonged disruption could affect several families dependent on the industry.

The owners maintained that they are not against compliance with environmental regulations and are ready to fulfil all statutory requirements. However, they have requested the government and concerned authorities to consider their pending applications and provide them reasonable time to complete the remaining documentation.

They appealed to the administration to examine the matter sympathetically, particularly in cases where applications for renewal have already been submitted and are under process.

The owners said they hope the authorities will strike a balance between enforcing environmental regulations and protecting the livelihoods of workers and the financial interests of small and medium scale brick kiln operators.

The matter now awaits further consideration by the concerned authorities on the pending consent applications and the requests for additional time to complete the required formalities.

Report By – Mudasir Maqbool