Sachnews Jammu Kashmir
PULWAMA, July 02:
The Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Board (JKPCB) has taken timely and stringent cognizance against several Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage units for illegally dumping C-grade and rotten apples, in clear violation of scientific waste disposal norms and environmental standards laid down by the Board, officials said.
In a significant move, the Pollution Control Board has already served a first notice to 40 CA stores across the region. A second notice was issued on July 1, 2025, directing the units to explain why legal proceedings and environmental compensation should not be initiated against them for flouting environmental regulations.
Division Officer from JKPCB Er Bilal Ahmad Khan told Sachnews that the improper and unscientific disposal of decomposed apples poses serious environmental and public health concerns. The waste, if not handled and disposed of properly, leads to contamination of land and water sources, and contributes to foul odor and vector breeding.
In addition, the State Industrial Development Corporation (SIDCO) has also come under the scanner. The Pollution Control Board has served a notice to SIDCO authorities for failing to provide a designated waste disposal site for these units, a mandatory requirement to ensure regulated and eco-friendly waste management in industrial areas.
An official from JKPCB emphasized, “Environmental accountability will be enforced. The units have been warned, and if compliance is not ensured, legal proceedings along with penalties will be initiated.”
The action has been welcomed by environmental advocates, who have long raised concerns over pollution and ecological damage caused by unregulated operations of some CA storage units. Further inspections and monitoring are expected in the coming days.