MLA Langate seeks ban on stone crusher setup without proper NOCs

Srinagar, Mar 20: Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Langate, Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad has raised concerns over the setup of a stone crusher in Bil-e-Maidan, Kralgund Qaziabad Langate, citing the absence of mandatory No Objection Certificates (NOCs).
During a recent session, he tabled a question urging the Jammu and Kashmir government to clarify the status of the project and ensure compliance with legal procedures.
Responding to the query, the Minister in charge of the Mining Department acknowledged delays in obtaining approvals, attributing them to regulatory hurdles. As per the minister’s statement, under S.O 60 of 2021, stone crushers and hot/wet mix plants must secure clearances from the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Board and a land title verification NOC from the Deputy Commissioner.
Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara confirmed the identification of a five-measure land parcel (Survey Nos. 33 min, 35 min) for a temporary batching and bitumen plant linked to the RKCTC road project, a national priority initiative under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). However, critical NOCs from the Irrigation & Flood Control (I&FC), Forest, Jal Shakti, Public Works Department (PWD), Rural Development Department (RDD), Health, Education, Agriculture, and Horticulture departments remain pending. Environmental clearance and a lease agreement are also yet to be finalized.
MLA Langate expressed concern over the procedural lapses, demanding an immediate halt to operations until all approvals are in place. He emphasised the need for strict adherence to environmental and administrative regulations.
In response, the Deputy Chief Minister assured the House that appropriate action would be taken and that the district administration would expedite the scrutiny process.