KATHUA: A public hearing for the proposed Standalone Clinker Grinding Unit, with a cement production capacity of 6.0 Million TPA (2 x 3 Million TPA), was conducted today at Nuh Barnoti, Kathua.

The event was organized by the Jammu & Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (J&KPCC), Jammu, as part of the statutory process for obtaining Environmental Clearance under the EIA Notification, 2006, issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India.

The proposed unit is planned to be set up at villages Merth and Nagrota in Tehsil and District Kathua.

The hearing was supervised by senior officials from J&KPCC, the office of the Additional Deputy Commissioner Kathua and Divisional Officer, Pollution Control Committee Kathua. The session witnessed active participation from local residents, public representatives, environmental stakeholders and community members, who raised pertinent queries and concerns related to the project's environmental and social impact.

During the hearing, the project's Environmental Consultant presented the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report, detailing the findings of baseline environmental studies and proposed mitigation measures concerning air and water quality, noise levels, ecological aspects and safety during the construction and operational phases of the project.

To ensure transparency and adherence to regulatory norms, the entire proceedings were videographed and voice recorded. All relevant documentation and feedback from stakeholders will be compiled and submitted to MoEF&CC for further examination and processing of the Environmental Clearance.

The public hearing is a key step in promoting participatory environmental governance and reflects the Government's commitment to sustainable development and responsible industrial growth in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.