Bathinda: The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) will host a public hearing on June 17 to gather suggestions and objections regarding a proposed 3-million-tonne-per-annum (TPA) cement plant in Bathinda’s Maiserkhana village.The hearing is a key step for JK Cement Limited which plans to set up the facility across 26.79 hectares. The project requires mandatory environmental clearance from the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority as it is covered under the environmental impact assessment (EIA) notification issued by the ministry of environment, forest and climate change on Sept 14, 2006, The company has already submitted its draft EIA report to the deputy commissioner, the zila parishad chairman, the ministry, and the PPCB. The report was prepared based on the terms of reference provided by Punjab’s State Expert Appraisal Committee. However, despite the PPCB issuing a 30-day public notice on May 19, many locals remain unaware of the upcoming hearing. “Many villagers are opposing the cement industry in hushed tones out of fear of pollution, and they are expected to raise objections,” said Balwinder Singh, a local resident. Environmental activists have also stepped in. Jaskirat Singh of the Public Action Committee and Roman Brar from Sanjha Zira Morcha have urged residents to formally lodge their concerns. They said public announcements should be made within the village to ensure residents gather and voice their opinions at the hearing.
