SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Tuesday informed the Legislative Assembly that exemptions from environmental clearance for manual customary extraction of sand, silt and clay have been withdrawn in compliance with Supreme Court judgments and directions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
Replying to a Calling Attention Motion moved by MLA Sheikh Ahsan Pardesi, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary said the government had omitted provisions contained in S.O. 599 of 2022 through S.O. 119 of 2026 dated April 22, 2026.
The earlier provisions had exempted local Hanjis, Khanias, muleteers and others engaged in manual customary extraction of sand, silt and clay from obtaining environmental clearance.
The deputy chief minister said the exemptions were no longer permissible in view of Supreme Court directions and that extraction of minor minerals must now be carried out in accordance with the regulatory framework prescribed under the notification dated March 28, 2020.
The issue was raised by Pardesi, who sought a review of the implications of the environmental clearance requirement for lifting loose material and its impact on stone quarrying operations, employment and the availability of construction material.
Choudhary told the House that stone quarrying activities also require environmental clearance under the existing regulatory framework.
He said extraction of minor minerals can only be undertaken after obtaining all necessary statutory and regulatory approvals, including environmental clearance wherever applicable.
Clarifying the government’s communication issued on September 8, 2026, the deputy chief minister said it was intended to ensure compliance with existing laws and regulations and did not introduce any new or independent requirement for environmental clearance.
