WE THE PEOPLE
In Utter Violation OF Master Plan, Workshops continue to exist along NH-Bypass and discharge pollutants into residential areas
Hence people urge SDA and Pollution Control Board functionaries to stop their operation without any delay
By: MNS/Shirjeel/ Uzair
SRINAGAR: The first Master Plan for the city of Srinagar was formulated in the year 1971, with a twenty year perspective, and approved in the year 1976. The second Master Plan (2000-2021), prepared in 1999, was approved for implementation by the Government in January 2003. The boundaries of the local, area were increased from 236 to 416 square kilometers for planning under the second Master Plan, covering a population of 23.50 lakh by 2021. It is clearly laid down that no Workshop should be allowed in the built up areas to keep humans free from pollution. But a casual survey shall reveals that there are scores of Workshops operational in the city and along NH-Bypass, discharging pollutants without any treatment.
It is worth mentioning that the Central Government approved Remodelling Plans for twin capital cities of Srinagar and Jammu some time back, which provided an opportunity for the State Planning and Development Agencies to rectify the much delayed negligence in the development of the capital cities of the State by launching a programme of redevelopment by revising the Master Plan of 1971 and subsequent Development Act. One of the slots being identified for placement of workshops of all kinds so that these are away from human settlements. But it is unfortunate that guidelines laid down in the Master Plan stand consigned to flames as large number of residential areas, stated above, are dotted with workshops of different categories. These have become source of nuisance and breeding Centres of all types of pollution, rendering thereby living conditions of affected residents quite miserable.
Pertinent to state that Srinagar has remained capital of Kashmir valley for the last over several centuries and its main city was founded on the banks of river Jhelum for remaining recipient of several benefits. Since communication system had not developed and so people were reconciled and contented with water transport system. Even ration depots had been placed on the banks of river Jehlum to undertake transshipment of food-grains by way of big barges. People used to visit several places through water-bodies and avoid road journeys. With the advancement in technology, the old system got changed and people started to use quick delivery systems. No doubt, this saved time and minimized space, but brought other disadvantages in its train. Had humans taken care of ecology and environment, we would not be face to face with ecological imbalance and environmental degradation today.
Having workshops in densely populated areas means deprival of peace to the inhabitants. The residents are subjected to noise, air and water pollution, which is unbearable from all standards. The students are unable to prosecute their studies due to noise pollution and the effluents discharged by the workshops affect general health of the people in residential colonies. The painting shops located in automobile workshops use injurious substances, which are pernicious to human health. There are reports that several serious ailments have developed in such residential areas due to some harmful pigments. The air pollution due to such workshops has crossed the prescribed limits as such Workshops are not fitted with specified gadgets. This is the reason that placement of factories is prohibited in residential areas of several States of the country and no factory is allowed to function until and unless it is fitted with necessary pollution absorption gadgets. The Master Plan drawn for the city of Srinagar had envisaged all such factors, but workshop owners allegedly in league with the State functionaries have consigned them to flames.
It is, therefore, for the Srinagar Development Authority and State Pollution Control Board officials to end the menace.
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