Minister for Forests, Environment and Ecology, Chaudhary Lal Singh today said various measures are underway to check fuel adulteration, which causes massive damage to environment.The Minister was replying to a question of Rajesh Gupta. He said that the adulteration of diesel and petrol with kerosene increases air pollution in an ecologically sensitive State like ours.Elaborating on measures taken to check pollution, the Minister said Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) and other concerned Departments like State Pollution Control Board take necessary steps to control various forms of pollution in the State.He said industrial units violating the pollution norms have been directed to rectify pollution control devices and closure of defaulters is ordered. He also said that directions have been issued to the Municipal Authorities for establishment of Municipal Solid Waste Management facilities.
The Minister said that moreover JKSPCB monitors major water bodies of the State by analyzing the water quality on regular basis.Mr. Singh said Sulphur Dioxide and Nitrogen Dioxide levels are within norms but the Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM) frequently exceeds the desired limits of 60 micro gram per cubic metre. He said this value isn’t as high as has been recorded in most polluted cities of the country.The Minister said that major source of pollution in River Tawi and Ranbir Canal are discharge of untreated sewage and dumping of Solid Waste. He said that the Municipal Corporation, Jammu has been directed to take necessary steps for treatment of sewage and proper management of solid waste in accordance with environmental laws. He said that the Corporation is in the process of setting up Sewerage Treatment Plant and Solid Waste Management facilities in the city.