SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) has inspected 517 stone-crusher units across the Union Territory since January 2025 and issued 229 legal notices and 146 closure directions for violations of environmental regulations, the Legislative Assembly was informed on Tuesday.
Replying to a question raised by MLA Ajaz Ahmad Jan, Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment Javed Ahmed Rana said the enforcement action was taken against units found violating pollution-control norms and statutory requirements.
According to the minister, 318 stone-crusher units were inspected in Kashmir division, resulting in 154 legal notices and 112 closure orders. In Jammu division, 199 inspections were conducted, leading to the issuance of 75 legal notices and 34 closure directions.
Rana told the House that the action was taken under provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
He said the violations included operating without the required no-objection certificate (NOC) from the concerned Deputy Commissioner, functioning without valid consent from the JKPCC and failure to install or maintain prescribed pollution-control measures.
The minister informed the Assembly that permissions for establishment and operation of stone crushers are being granted only after ensuring compliance with environmental norms, siting criteria and other applicable regulations.
He said four stone-crusher units were approved for establishment in Poonch district since January 2025, located in Seeri Chowana, Salotri and Bhainch areas, after meeting prescribed requirements.
Rana stated that approvals are being issued in accordance with environmental guidelines and siting criteria laid down by the competent authority, including JKPCC Order No. 70 of 2025 dated May 9, 2025, and subsequent amendments issued through JKPCC Order No. 124 of 2025 dated August 30, 2025.
The House was also informed that the JKPCC received 58 applications for consent to establish and operate stone crushers between January 1, 2025 and September 2026. Of these, 27 applications were approved, 28 rejected and one application remains under process.
