The affirmation that there is no information to prove cement production at the Khrew township in Pulwama leads to more confusion than assurance.
While it helps ease the situation somewhat by virtue of the government claims of no significant upswing in lung cancer diagnosed in the Union Territory, the government issuance leaves those living around cement factories with still some discomfort.
The lack of data and the absence of extensive research into the health and environmental impacts of cement operations highlight a serious lack of documentation to give people confidence.
Khrew has a long history of cement production through a number of industrial plants located in the area. Over the years, environmental advocates and residents living in proximity to the factories have sounded alarms about their impending health risks as a result of dust, emissions, and other waste generated by this industry.
Although respiratory illnesses, skin problems, and other diseases have been reported by residents, and the government has mostly been indifferent.
The Health Minister’s assertion that the number of lung cancers is unchanged in Jammu and Kashmir is at best a partial picture. The overall picture may bravely assert that the overall percentage of lung cancers is not higher than the typical level, while ignoring localities and accidents of industrial pollution locally, such as the townships around Khrew.
Cancer is a complex disease requiring multiple causative factors, which often includes environmental exposure, and develops its impacts over time, so no definitive claims to prove safety can be established unless there are specific research studies monitoring the health of those living in proximity of cement factories.
Given growing public concern, the apparent findings of the public must be investigated, environmental impact studies must be completed, air must be monitored, water must be tested, and health trends among the affected must be tracked.
Khrew industrial area is an example that points to a problem larger than its own: how much more accountability and transparency is necessary in environmental and health governance.
There is an implicit assumption that nurturing industrial development in the state is only due to the economic benefit of the country but charging experienced professionals, the civil society and communities should propel the government towards participatory engagement where scientists, health providers, environmentalists, citizens and civil society are engaged with the government’s decision making and the transparency of the process.
