NCP opposes setting up cement plant in Samba

"We oppose the decision of state government to acquire agricultural land to set up a cement plant in Samba," Nationalist Congress Party state chief Randhir Singh told reporters here.

"This will play havoc with the health of people and have an adverse impact on the environment," he said adding, setting up of several industrial units at Samba is a major cause of concern.

The water bodies, soil, crops, live stocks and the health of the people have been affected by the presence of chemical insecticide and pesticides manufacturing units at Samba and Kathua District, the NCP leader said.

Singh said foothills of Shivalik range, which is known for flora, fauna and rich biodiversity, was getting affected due to lack of research and conservation measures.

The fragile ecology of such areas, which was already under pressure due to poaching and degradation, would be undermined by such industrial ventures likely to pollute the environment, he said.

He demanded a high-level probe to expose people responsible for the setting up of thousands of brick kilns, lime stone kilns, stone crushers and cement plants in residential areas.