Srinagar, March 07: The Jammu and Kashmir government is actively working on rehabilitating stone quarry holders affected by the mining ban in Athwajan, Zewan, Pantha Chowk and Khanmoh, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary informed the Assembly on Friday.
Responding to a query by National Conference MLA Sheikh Ahsan Ahmed Pardesi regarding the impact of SRO-105 on stone quarrying in these areas, Choudhary, who holds the portfolio of the Mining Department, stated, “Mining operations were prohibited under Government Order No. 202-IND of 2016. We are committed to addressing the concerns of affected stakeholders and ensuring a fair rehabilitation process.”
“The government initially proposed relocating the affected quarry holders to an alternate site in Aripora Zewan. However, this plan faced legal hurdles as the site falls within a conservation reserve where mining is prohibited,” Choudhary said. “Consequently, the administration has identified alternative locations at Shalguf and Zewan in Srinagar district for potential resettlement.”
“A total of 178 quarry holders are targeted for rehabilitation at these sites,” he added. “Block-A at Shalguf and Blocks B1 and B2 at Zewan have been designated as quarry clusters under J&K’s mining regulations. Quarry holders will be eligible to apply for licenses upon fulfilling statutory formalities, including an Approved Mining Plan, Environmental Clearance, and other necessary NoCs.”
Despite the government’s efforts, resistance from local inhabitants of Shalguf and Zewan has complicated the rehabilitation process. “Residents have expressed concerns over dust and noise pollution,” Choudhary noted. “This opposition has delayed the issuance of quarrying permits, and we are working to address their grievances while ensuring a practical solution for quarry holders.”
He also pointed out that “the government has designated other quarry belts in Zewan and Khanmoh as cooperative extraction zones. Quarry holders must secure the required clearances before resuming operations.”
Acknowledging the economic impact of the mining ban, Choudhary said, “To support livelihoods and ensure the availability of essential construction materials, we have allowed the removal of slided loose material under Short-Term Disposal Permits, subject to royalty payments.”
