Pulwama, Aug 21: Many residents have appealed to higher authorities of Jammu and Kashmir for stopping construction of a brick kiln on Karewa land falling between Kultreh village of Budgam and Parigam village of Pulwama.
Abdul Gani Bhat, 57, a resident of Parigam village of Pulwama, said that from past 10 days construction on chimney of a brick kiln is going on in Karewa land at Bagh–i-Rangeen Kultreh which falls under revenue jurisdiction of Tehsil Chadoora of Budgam district and shares borders with their village.
Bhat said that his almond orchard spread on 32 kanals of land is situated in the immediate vicinity of the site where the fresh construction is being carried out.
“ My cousin brother has established a high density apple orchard in the vicinity of the site after investing rupees 50 lakh,” he said, adding that construction of the fresh brick kiln will severely impact not only their orchards but a huge chunk of horticulture land growing almonds and apple trees.
He said that last year they were successful in stopping the construction on the said brick kiln after the issue was brought into notice of then Deputy Commissioner Budgam on whose orders construction work was dismantled.
He said that they also sought intervention from the Horticulture Department, Pollution Control Committee and other concerned agencies who reported in their favour.
He showed a letter under number PCC/Bud/2022/92-93 dated 12-03-2022 on subject, illegal construction of Brick Kiln at Rangeen Chadoora Budgam, addressed to Regional Director, Pollution Control Committee by District Officer, Pollution Control Committee, Budgam.
The letter reads that it was observed at site that the claim of the applicants regarding the nature of land is true and genuine.
“ The site, comprising hundreds of kanals of orchards of almonds and pulp , is an asset not only for the locals who are fully dependent on it but also for the valley of Kashmir due to its beauty and any deviation /conservation of land use shall be devastating. As such any attempt made for conversion shall be opposed tooth and nail,” the letter reads.
Similarly then Chief Horticulture Officer, Budgam, observed through a letter number CHO/Bud/2022-23/6761-62 dated 20/12/2022 that the establishment of Brick Kiln in future, if any, shall be detrimental to the surrounding orchards, macro and micro environment around these trees due to hazardous emission from these Brick Kilns.
Bhat said that from past couple of days they have been moving from pillar to post pleading before authorities for stopping the fresh construction to save their orchards from future threat which will be posed to them due to establishment of a new brick kiln in the area.
He said that authorities give a deaf ear to their pleas.
The residents again appealed to higher authorities for taking cognizance of the issue and redressing their grievance.
Tehsildar Chadoora said that the owner has proper NOC (No Objection Certificate) from competent authority.
He added that the owner of said brick kiln was called to his office where he produced all documents and licence from competent authority.
“There was only one brick Kiln operating illegally which was dismantled three months ago,” he said.
Dozens of brick kilns raided in Budgam
Special Search Teams of the State Taxes Department Kashmir Monday raided dozens of brick kilns in Budgam district.
The operation was supervised by Additional Commissioner State Taxes Department (Administration and Enforcement) Kashmir, Shakeel Maqbool.
During the search, these Brick Kilns were found to be unregistered with the GST department despite having crossed the threshold and thus were evading huge tax dues. Most of them were also found to be operating without licenses from the District Administration.
The Additional Commissioner during the drive directed the Brick Kilns owners to get registered with the District Administration and with the Goods and Service Tax Department. He also asked them to file their returns regularly without suppression of actual sales.
Meanwhile the Additional Commissioner directed the special search teams to continue the drive against the illegal brick kilns and take action under law against those operating without licenses.
The Additional Commissioner was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner State Taxes Enforcement Central Kashmir, Pervaiz Raina and other officers of the Department.
