Lassipora CA cold storage units reject allegations on ‘Environmental Violations’
Pulwama: Following recent reports concerning 11 Controlled Atmosphere (CA) cold storage units at the Lassipora Industrial Growth Centre, the concerned authorities and cold storage owners have issued a clarification, stating that the matter has been misrepresented, causing unnecessary concern within the horticulture sector.
According to official sources, the closure notices being referred to are not recent but were issued in 2025. Therefore, portraying them as fresh enforcement action is misleading.
The owners of the affected CA cold storage units also rejected allegations that their facilities lack the mandatory environmental infrastructure. They stated that all required Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs), composite pits, and other pollution control systems have already been installed, and that most units have complied with the directions issued by the concerned departments.
The unit owners further alleged that their version was not sought before the publication of the reports, resulting in one-sided coverage that has adversely affected their businesses, reputation, and the interests of those associated with the horticulture industry.
A representative of the units said they are operating in compliance with environmental regulations and that the reports created a false impression that the facilities were functioning illegally.
The owners warned that they are considering legal action, including defamation proceedings, over the damage caused to their business interests and reputation.
Meanwhile, stakeholders from the horticulture sector have urged the concerned authorities to issue a clear statement regarding the current compliance status of the CA cold storage units to dispel uncertainty among apple growers, traders, and others associated with the industry.
They stressed that while strict enforcement of environmental regulations is essential, such matters should be presented fairly and based on verified facts and the views of all stakeholders to safeguard the interests of Kashmir’s vital horticulture sector and the thousands of families dependent on it.
