Srinagar, Feb 18: The Health and Medical Education (H&ME) Department said there is a growing public health risk posed by dust pollution in the Khrew area of Pulwama, attributing it largely to cement factories and limestone mining activities operating in the region.
Replying to a question raised by MLA Hasnain Masoodi, the H&ME Minister Sakeena Itoo informed the House that the Department of Health Services is “acutely aware and deeply concerned” about the health challenges emerging from prolonged exposure to fine particulate matter.
She said inhalation of dust particles is a known medical risk factor and is being linked to a rise in respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular complications, and eye and skin-related conditions among the exposed population of Khrew.
Recognising environmental pollution as a major determinant of public health, the department has proposed a comprehensive preventive and responsive strategy.
“Under enhanced surveillance and healthcare preparedness, public health institutions in the affected area—including the Sub-District Hospital and Primary Health Centres—have been directed to: systematically document pollution-related cases such as respiratory, allergic, and cardiovascular illnesses; ensure adequate stocks of essential medicines, nebulizers, and respiratory equipment; and conduct regular training for medical staff to manage pollution-induced health conditions,” the minister informed the House.
She said the department will also intensify community awareness and outreach through Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities. These will include advisories to minimise outdoor exposure during high-dust periods, promotion of protective measures such as N95 masks for vulnerable groups—including children and patients with pre-existing respiratory problems—and organisation of health camps focused on respiratory screening.
The minister said the department recognises that long-term relief requires action at the source of pollution. “It will coordinate with the Department of Environment, Forests and Ecology, Jammu and Kashmir and the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee to share health impact data and push for: strict enforcement of dust-control measures such as water sprinkling, covered transport of raw materials, development of green belts, and adoption of cleaner industrial technologies and proper environmental management plans,” she said.
Additionally, the department plans to collect and analyse epidemiological data to understand long-term disease trends, which will guide future healthcare infrastructure planning and resource allocation in the region, Itoo said.
She, however, clarified that no formal study has been conducted so far to establish a direct causal link between cement factory emissions and specific diseases. The statistical information currently available does not conclusively authenticate pollution as the cause.
Itoo shared the reported health figures from the area: Lung cancer: 2 cases; Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): 80 cases; Bronchitis: 72 cases; and Asthma: 40 cases. “These cases cannot be conclusively attributed to industrial emissions,” she said.
On the demand to upgrade Primary Health Centre Khrew to a higher-level facility, the minister said it is not feasible under IPHS-2022 norms and remains a policy decision.
She explained that the PHC currently caters to a population of around 35,000 and is located just 17 kilometres from AIIMS Awantipora and 11.5 kilometres from Sub-District Hospital Pampore.
“In view of the population criteria and the presence of nearby major health institutions, the creation of a Community Health Centre at Khrew is not justified,” she said. “Sustainable public health requires concerted, cross-departmental efforts to effectively reduce environmental hazards.”—(KNO)
