Minor mineral mining project: Public hearing held in Akhnoor for Environmental Clearance

Jammu : A fresh public hearing was organised on Tuesday for eliciting opinions, viewpoints and suggestions of the locals and other stakeholders for Environmental Clearance of minor mineral mining project for mining block 27(5/2), 28(5/3) and 29(5/4) situated downstream old Chenab Bridge, Block Akhnoor, District Jammu in terms of Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) notification, 2006 of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India.
The panel of public hearing was headed by Harvinder Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner Jammu. The other panelists included Gulshan Kumar, District Mineral Officer, Jammu, Anil Sharma, Divisional Officer, Pollution Control Committee, Jammu North and Angrez Singh, Divisional Officer, Pollution Control Committee, Reasi representing Regional Director, JKPCC, Jammu.
Anil Sharma, Divisional Officer, PCC Jammu North in his opening address apprised the general public that it is the endeavour of the government to ensure that the mining activity is carried out in a fair manner. He said that the purpose of conducting the public hearing was to hear the views of the people of surrounding areas regarding the proposed mining project.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Jammu assured the general public that mining activity will be allowed to be carried out in a scientific manner only. He also informed the audience that anybody wanting to register their issues regarding the proposed minor mineral project before the panel, may do so and the same shall be jotted down and sent to JK Environment Impact Assessment Authority (JKEIAA), who while taking into consideration those issues, shall take a final decision in the matter. He said that all the mining project related issues raised in the public hearing will be submitted to JKEIAA for consideration so that those issues are appropriately addressed before the grant of Environmental Clearance.
Various public representatives viz. DDC Member, Akhnoor Sharda Bhau, Sarpacnhes and Naib Sarpanches of the area, PRI members and the general public also presented their viewpoints and suggestions before the panel.
The public hearing was also attended by Surinder Singh, Tehsildar Akhnoor, Gurpreet Singh, JEE JKPCC, Dimple Sharma and Jaya Kapoor Field Inspectors, JKPCC.
In the end, vote of thanks to the dignitaries and the audience was presented by Dimple Sharma, Field Inspector, JKPCC, Jammu North.