We are committed to equitable and sustainable development under the New Central Scheme

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Jammu and Kashmir has experienced revolutionary changes, especially in the industrial sector, in the past few years due to the ambitious initiatives taken by the state authorities. Dr. Arun Manhas, Director of Industries and Commerce (Jammu), UT of Jammu & Kashmir, in an exclusive interview with Nisha Samant of Elets News Network (ENN) discussed the steps taken by the government for the growth of the region. Edited Excerpts

Jammu and Kashmir Urban Sector Development Investment Program focuses on improving water supply, urban transport, and drainage infrastructure in Jammu and Srinagar. Could you share some key milestones and achievements of this program so far?

The primary objective of our initiative is to significantly enhance the quality of life for residents of Jammu and Srinagar by focusing on key areas such as water supply, urban transport, and drainage infrastructure. This strategic approach is essential for sustainable regional urban development and has already yielded notable improvements. We have made substantial progress in ensuring a reliable and improved water supply system, which is fundamental for residents’ daily needs. The transportation network has been modernised with the introduction of new smart electric buses that offer eco-friendly and efficient transit options. We have also strengthened local institutions and encouraged community involvement.

The ‘Tawi Redevelopment Project’ is reshaping Jammu’s landscape and revitalising the Jhelum riverfront, Poloview market, and Lal Chowk, which have been transformed into modern areas, now staying open until midnight. We also focus on developing sustainable tourism spots promoting traditional crafts and handicrafts. The successful implementation of all these projects has led to better health outcomes and cleaner living environments, stimulated economic growth with more vibrant commercial areas and extended business hours, and improved amenities and services, contributing to a higher standard of living. In addition to these advancements, we have upgraded existing roads, constructed new bridges, and initiated tunnel construction in remote areas. The expansion of the rail network will soon provide a direct connection between Srinagar and the rest of India, further integrating the region and enhancing accessibility.

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The New Central Sector Scheme for Industrial Development of Jammu & Kashmir emphasizes environmental sustainability. Can you elaborate on the specific provisions of this scheme that promote green technologies and pollution control equipment?

In India, industries are categorised based on their pollution potential into four types:

This system is essential for effective environmental regulation and management. The categorisation considers factors such as raw materials, manufacturing processes, pollutants, wastewater discharge, and air emissions. We prioritise environmental regulation, conducting risk assessments, promoting sustainable development, and protecting public health. In our industrial estates, we adhere to strict environmental standards. Obtaining a “Consent to Operate” is mandatory for a unit to commence production. We ensure that all waste discharge is regulated and provide subsidies for pollution control equipment. Diesel generators in our estates are equipped with pollution control devices.

We are committed to equitable and sustainable development under the New Central Scheme. Initially, industrial development was concentrated near urban centres, but we are now expanding into remote areas. Only Green Industries are permitted in the newly established Ghatti Industrial Estate near Kathua, adjacent to a wildlife sanctuary and water body. Additionally, industrial activities involving pesticides are heavily regulated. For us, sustainability is a continuous journey, guided by the motto “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repeat” for the J&K Industries Department.

What are the key priorities for the Department of Industries & Commerce in terms of urban development over the next five years?

We are advancing with the development of ‘medicities’, IT towers, Foreign Direct Investments (FDI), multimodal logistics parks, and dry ports. Logistics, which involves the efficient management of goods, information, and resources, is increasingly pivotal to urban development. It transforms cities by enhancing transportation networks, establishing warehousing and distribution centres, and creating logistics corridors, which reshape landscapes and generate employment opportunities. Medicities represent the future of urban living, designed to improve lifestyle and healthcare accessibility. Our industrial activities are strategically located outside city limits, which marks the gradual expansion of metropolitan areas.

For instance, once considered remote, ‘Bari Brahmana’ has evolved into a vibrant hub over the past 20 years. Similarly, the Ghatti area in Kathua, previously isolated, has attracted significant investment—about 2000 crore in just three years. Bhagthalli in Kathua is set to become the next industrial centre, with an anticipated 14000 crore investment covering approximately 3000 Kanals. This industrial growth stimulates local economies, driving demand for labour, goods, rental spaces, and new services such as restaurants and hotels. These developments create a cascading effect of forward and backward linkages, revitalising the city. Looking ahead, the Department of Industries & Commerce will prioritise sustainability in urban development. As we advance, we recognize that sustainability is not merely a trend but a necessity, and every effort counts in ensuring long-term environmental and economic health.

How does your department ensure that urban development projects in Jammu and Kashmir are inclusive and cater to the population’s diverse needs?

To ensure that urban development projects are inclusive, our system must address several key factors such as:

• The needs of rural-to-urban migrants
• The diverse cultural and religious communities in the region
• The challenges posed by geographical terrain.

While prioritising large-scale projects, we also focus on supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises. We provide these smaller units with Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) loans to promote equitable growth. Our support extends to entrepreneurs with capital ranging from 10 lakhs to 2000 crores, under a scheme with an outlay of 28,400 crores. Our commitment to inclusive development is reflected in our efforts to comply with all relevant laws, including labour regulations and pollution norms. We maintain dedicated helplines to address any concerns. For instance, when an industrial unit faced closure, we ensured that all labour dues were settled before granting final approval for the closure. This demonstrates our commitment to ensuring corporate actions do not undermine inclusivity and equitable treatment.

The growth of the industrial sector is crucial, but this must consider the environment. Can you share some initiatives taken by the Department of Industries & Commerce (Jammu) to ensure environmental safety along with industrial growth?

Under the Jammu and Kashmir Industrial Policy 2021-2030, several initiatives are being implemented to ensure environmental responsibility and sustainability. These include mandatory Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for new industrial projects, regular inspections and monitoring of industrial units to ensure adherence to pollution control norms, and imposing penalties for non- compliance with environmental regulations. We incentivise green practices by offering financial incentives to industries that adopt green technologies and practices, providing subsidies for installing pollution control equipment, and giving preferential treatment in land allotment to eco-friendly industries.

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The Department of Industries and Commerce promotes sustainable practices by encouraging the use of renewable energy sources in industrial processes, supporting waste reduction and recycling initiatives, and investing in research and development of clean technologies. We also focus on capacity building by organising workshops and training programs on environmental management and raising awareness about the importance of environmental sustainability. Additionally, we believe in the power of public-private partnerships. We collaborate with industry associations and NGOs to promote sustainable practices and encourage joint ventures for environmental projects.

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