11/03/2026
In the area like Khrew, the cement dust and pollution from these industries are linked to rise in respiratory illnesses, skin allergies, and heart diseases among residents of the area. Studies have shown that asthma, lung function impairment, and bronchitis cases are positively associated with the high PM10 levels in the region.
The pollution has severely impacted the local economy, particularly the heritage Saffron crop, with thousands of kanals of land becoming barren or experiencing reduced yield due to dust settling on plants, blocking photosynthesis.
It is very Unfortunate that the Health and Medical Education (H&ME) Department has recently indicated that the Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Khrew is not feasible for immediate, large-scale upgradation to a higher level (such as a Sub-District Hospital) under current, strict IPHS-2022 .
The Pollution Control Board (PCB) has mandated that cement plants install Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (OCEMS) and has, at times, issued notices to units for violating environmental norms. However, various civil society organizations continue to protest against the pollution levels, arguing that the industries are not operating according to environmental regulations.
Presently, Khrew area is considered "critically polluted" by dust rather than free from it, with significant adverse effects on the health of the community...
THOUGH, KHREW AREA IS NOT ENTITLED FOR DUST ALLOWANCE AND OTHER BENEFITS FROM THESE INDUSTRIES...
