Ajay Sharma
Sunderbani, August 8
District Administration Rajouri today sealed a Flour Mill at Nala Makol, Sunderbani, allegedly functioning illegally and on the strength of alleged invalid documents. There have been repeated complaints against the functioning of the Flour Mill in the vicinity of a school and a hospital in violation of the set norms. This publication has earlier reported about the violations in June and first week of July, 2022.
On the direction of the Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri, Tehsildar Sunderbani, Ravi Kishan today ordered the shutting of the flour mill and sealed it in the presence of police and other officials.
Sources said that the action was taken after the matter was brought to the office of Lieutenant Governor, who had instructed the concerned officers to take appropriate action in the matter.
“Earlier, Deputy Commissioner had ordered disconnection of electricity of the flour mill, but the owner of the Mill, who is also a local Naib-Sarpanch, somehow managed to get another connection to keep the mill operational,” said sources, adding that earlier despite repeated complaints and closure orders, the flour mill continued its operation.
Sources added that in 2010, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri vide order No SO/MISc/309-16, dated 25-02-2010, asserted that site for establishment of flour mill or any other building should be at least 200 meters away from the government building.
“Despite an administrative order, the Flour Mill remained functional with the connivance of the local authorities on one or the other pertext,” said sources, adding that following establishment of the flour mill, locals in the area submitted a couple of complaints in the office of ADC.
Sources said that ZEO vide order No ZEOLH/581, dated 15-03-2022, clarified that the site of construction of flour mill is only 90 meters away from the school, which is in violation of DC orders.
With these observations the CEO cancelled the NOC vide order No. CEOR/2021-22/51691-93, dated 24-03-2022 asserting that a senior doctor at veterinary hospital had issued no NOC to the owner of the mill.
Sources further said that after court intervention, when a ground report was sought, it was found that the flour mill was constructed at a distance of only 75 meters from the veterinary hospital.
“All these revelations have been made by the concerned authorities at a time, when the file for the renewal of flour mill license was pending in the office of Deputy Commissioner Rajouri,” said sources, adding that despite flouting administrative order and illegally setting up flour mill, the owner using his influence, has the audacity to seek renewal of the license.
Sources shared that a few months back the Director, J&K Pollution Control Committee at Jammu (JKPCC) had also served a notice to the owner for running the illegal flour mill without seeking No Objection Certificate from the committee. However, no substantial action followed later against its functioning.
