Pulwama, June 17: Following the circulation of the report, officials from the concerned departments clarified that the orders being referred to are not recent and relate to an earlier period. According to officials, presenting the matter as a fresh development has created unnecessary confusion among stakeholders associated with the horticulture sector. Representatives of cold storage who’s name was mentioned in news also strongly refuted the allegations that their facilities lack mandatory environmental infrastructure. The unit holders stated that they have installed Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs), composite pits and other pollution-control mechanisms as required under regulatory norms. Several unit owners expressed concern over what they termed as a “misleading and one-sided” portrayal of the issue. They maintained that the majority of the units have complied with the directions issued by regulatory authorities and have undertaken necessary measures to meet environmental standards. The unit holders further asserted that they were not contacted for their version before publication of the report. According to them, the report has caused reputational damage to businesses that play a vital role in Kashmir’s horticulture economy and provide employment to hundreds of people.
“We have all the required infrastructure in place, including ETPs and wastewater management facilities. The report has created an impression that the units are operating in violation of environmental norms, which is not the case,” a representative of one of the affected units said. The cold storage operators have warned that they are examining legal options, including initiating defamation proceedings against the news agency concerned, alleging that the report has harmed their business interests and public image. Meanwhile, industry stakeholders have called for a factual assessment of the situation and urged authorities to issue a clear clarification regarding the compliance status of the units. They emphasized that any concerns relating to environmental regulations should be addressed through proper verification and consultation with all stakeholders. Lassipora Industrial Growth Centre houses some of Kashmir’s largest Controlled Atmosphere storage facilities and serves as a key component of the Valley’s apple industry, enabling long-term storage and marketing of horticultural produce. Stakeholders have urged that reports concerning the sector should accurately reflect the position of regulatory authorities as well as the responses of affected unit holders to avoid misinformation and unnecessary concern within the horticulture industry.
