Jammu: A Public Hearing was organized on Monday on here in Panchayat Ghar, Dhok Khalsa, Akhnoor for eliciting opinions, view-points and suggestions of the locals and other stakeholders for environmental clearance of minor mineral mining project for mining Block 5/21 and 5/25 situated at Jad Khud, downstream Jourian bridge, Block Bhalwal Brahmana, 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 Piyush Dhotra, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Jammu.
The other panelists included Dr. Gulshan Kumar, District Mineral Officer, Jammu, Anil Sharma, Divisional Officer, Pollution Control Committee, Jammu North.
Anil Sharma, Divisional officer, PCC Jammu North in his opening address apprised the general public that it is the endeavor of the government to ensure that the mining activity is carried out in a scientific manner. He said that the purpose of conducting the public hearing was to hear the views of the people of surrounding areas regarding the mining block for renewal of Environmental Clearance.
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.
Piyush Dhotra, ACR, Jammu, informed the audience that it is the endeavor of the government to ensure that the mining activity is carried out only in scientific 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. He also assured that all the important points raised by the people during the public hearing are recorded and sent to Competent Authority. 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.
Dr. Gulshan Kumar, DMO Jammu listened patiently to the issues of general public and also replied to the queries raised by the public during the proceedings. He assured the public that the demarcation of the mining blocks should be completed in a week’s time and any violation may be immediately reported to the district administration.
Various public representatives viz. DDC Member, Bhushan Kumar Block Bhalwal Brahmana, Sarpanches and Naib Sarpanches of the area and prominent citizens also presented their viewpoints and suggestions before the panel. Project Consultant M/s Vitasta Enviro Services Pvt Ltd Jaipur gave the details about the salient features of the EIA and mining project.
Vote of thanks to the chair was presented by Sh Dimple Sharma, FI Divisional Officer PCC Jammu North. In addition to above Public Hearing programme, a pledge has also been taken for Mission Life Campaign 2023.
