JAMMU: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary today informed that 527 stone crusher units are operational in Jammu and Kashmir following due process, with development works unaffected by the non-functional units.
The Deputy Chief Minister stated this while replying to a Calling Attention Notice moved by Legislator Balwant Singh Mankotia in the Legislative Assembly.
He said that, of 691 stone crusher units, 527 are operational and 164 are non-functional, including 48 that have been sealed or closed. These units have been operating in compliance with the set regulations and their closure has not significantly impacted any ongoing development project in the Union Territory.
The Deputy Chief Minister stated that the department has taken necessary measures under current rules and provisions of the Jammu & Kashmir Minor Mineral Concession, Storage, Transportation of Minerals and Prevention of Illegal Mining Rules, 2016, along with Pollution Control Committee guidelines, to curb illegal mining and ensure smooth operation of stone crushers across the UT. He added that the department ensures availability of finished material to the executing agencies for development works, serving a dual purpose of preventing revenue loss and curbing the illegal mining activities.
He said that the compliant stone crusher units are operating smoothly while those violating the prescribed norms like lacking consent, environmental clearance or pollution control measures have been shut. Despite sufficient notice, non-compliant units failed to rectify deficiencies and were closed, he added.
He added that to ensure environmental compliance and safeguard the public health and ecology, the authority had to shut down the non-compliant units, following due process and provisions of law.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that regular inspections are being carried out to prevent illegal operation of such units and strict action is being taken against the violators. He added that the government remains committed to balance the development needs with the environmental protection and will continue to enforce the rules rigorously.