For the proper implementation of various environmental laws, a regulatory body Jammu & Kashmir Pollution Control Committee(JKPCC) had been established. It aims to protect the environment and provide pollution free air and water to its citizen. Also, being a tourist place it aims to provide pollution free environment to its tourist as well. With this aim they have adopted eco-friendly management practices for sustainable development of Jammu & Kashmir.
JK-PCC was constituted by Jammu & Kashmir Govt. in 1986 as per the provisions of water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. Later, on 22nd Sept. 1988, provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 were also entrusted to the Board for implementation. In order to implement the PC laws effectively in J&K, the Board commenced its activities in 1986 with a meagre staff and in 1996, two Regional offices in Srinagar & Jammu were added. Today, the Board has its offices in all the districts of the J&K.
The J&K Pollution Control Committee was created vide order no.34 of 1987 Dt.03.08.1987. (vide SRO 88) under the provision of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. The Board has been performing its duties assigned to it under the provisions of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and under the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. Additional responsibilities were assigned to the Board for enactment of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (EPA). The EPA had a large domain of regulatory and developmental function in the area of Environment Management which is an umbrella Act and various Rules made under this Act from time to time covering the various facets of Pollution.
Rules under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and EP Rules, besides 1974 Water Act and 1981 Air Act.
Various responsibilities have been assigned to the JK-PCC under the EP Act. An illustrative list of specific Rules which have been notified by the Govt. of India for which JK-PCC has been charged with the responsibility of implementation, is given as under: -
- Implementation of Hazardous Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 1989 as amended in 2003.
- Implementation of Bio-Medical Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 1989 as amended in 2000.
- Implementation of Plastic Manufacture, Sale & Usage Rules, 1999 as amended in 2003.
- Implementation of Battery Rules, 2000.
- Implementation of Municipal Solid Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 2000.
- Implementation of Ozone Depleting Substances Rules, 2000.
- Implementation of Noise Regulations, 2000 as amended in 2003.
- Monitoring of Environmental Clearance conditions issued by the Central & State Environment Impact Assessment Authorities under Environment Impact Assessment notification 2006.
- Implementation of Hazardous Waste (Management & Handling & Transboundary Movement) Rules 2008.
- Implementation of Regulation relating to Plastic Carry Bags ban, 2009.
- Implementation of Fly Ash Notification, 2009.
- Implementation of E-Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 2011
Objectives of JKPCC
- Sustainable Development: - Sustainable development is a wide concept that balances the need for economic growth with environmental protection and social equity.
- Prevention: - To control the prevention of natural resources.
- Waste Management: - Effective Waste Management is a great source to protect the environment.
- Consumer awareness: - Pollution can be reduced by awareness such as by convincing the general public to use CFL, paper bags, and public transport and not to use firecrackers, plastic bags or any other non-biodegradable products.
- Compliance: - JKPCB laid down some guidelines for industries and Health care establishments to reduce environmental pollution in Jammu & Kashmir.
Main Functions of the JKPCC
- Provide recommendations to the Jammu & Kashmir Government on any matter concerning prevention and control of water and air pollution and improvement of the quality of air.
- Organize consumer awareness programs on the prevention and control of air and water pollution and waste management through mass media.
- Collect, compile and prepare technical and statistical data related to air and water pollution.
- Lay down the standard of sewage and trade effluents and for emissions from industrial plants, automobiles, and Health Care Establishment.
- To help with the development of new technology for the treatment of sewage, trade effluents, and control equipment.
- Issuance of consent certificate to industries falling in different categories such as Red, Orange, Green, and White.
- Issuance of the Authorization to industries and health care establishments, falling in Bio-Medical waste Authorization, Hazardous waste Management Authorization, Plastic Waste Management, Battery waste Management, and E-waste Authorization.
JKPCC Categories & Classification of Business Activities
The industries in Jammu & Kashmir has been classified in the Red, Orange, and Green category as per the list, indicating the classification of 649 industries as per new guidelines.
The industries categorized under the Red, Orange, and Green categories only need to apply for Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) under the Air & Water Act. The industries categorized under the white category are not required to obtain consent to establish and operate, it is required only to intimate Goa State Pollution Control Board within 30 days from the Establishment of business with an undertaking.