Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, today emphasized the need for prompt decisions regarding the sand and stone quarrying and lifting of loose material across Kashmir to ensure the uninterrupted availability of construction material for the public. The Deputy Chief Minister made these remarks while chairing a meeting held to review the revival of customary mining activities and stone quarrying at identified locations across Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by Members of the Legislative Assembly, including Justice (Retd) Hasnain Masoodi, Ahsan Ahmad Pardesi, Hilal Akbar Lone, Nizam-ud-Din Bhat, Javed Hassan Baig, and Mushtaq Ahmad Guroo besides Additional Chief Secretary, Mining Department, Director Geology & Mining, Director Finance Mining, Joint Directors and District Mineral Officers.
While reiterating the government’s commitment to completely curb the illegal mining activities, the Deputy Chief Minister stated that people should not face any shortage of construction material due to restrictions on unlawful operations. He called for timely formulation of a comprehensive Mining Policy for Jammu and Kashmir to ensure the optimal utilization of mineral resources while safeguarding the environmental interests.
He stressed transparency in mining operations and directed the concerned authorities to ensure that no illegal mining practices are allowed in any district. The Deputy Chief Minister also emphasized the need for effective royalty collection from all the companies engaged in mining activities across Kashmir and called for the speedy disposal of pending penalties and court cases related to mining operations.
During the meeting, detailed discussions were held regarding the revival of customary stone quarrying activities at identified locations inclduing at Panthachowk in Srinagar, Sadrekoot Bala in Bandipora, and other related locations. The Deputy Chief Minister underscored the importance of balancing developmental needs with environmental sustainability and directed the concerned departments to expedite the process of finalizing modalities for regulated mining operations.
The meeting explored mechanisms for the structured revival of quarrying activities and outlined a comprehensive way forward in the interest of public convenience. The Deputy Chief Minister directed the concerned departments to work in close coordination and ensure that all decisions are taken in a transparent, environmentally responsible and people-centric manner, facilitating the availability of construction material while preserving ecological balance. He also asserted on speedy disposal of penalty and court cases for the seamless functioning of the department.