Arshid Ali
Srinagar, Sept 23: The Jammu and Kashmir Government constituted a high-level committee to examine and finalize the modalities for the revival of customary stone quarrying activities at Panthachowk in Srinagar, Saderkoot Bala in Bandipora, and other identified locations.
The decision was formalized through Government Order No. 1228-JK(GAD) of 2025, issued by the General Administration Department (GAD). The committee will be headed by the Special Secretary to the Government, Mining Department, and includes senior representatives from several departments including Forest, Ecology & Environment, Revenue, Jal Shakti, Rural Development, Geology & Mining, the University of Kashmir, and the J&K Pollution Control Committee.
According to the order, the committee has been mandated to submit its report along with detailed recommendations within 30 days from the issuance of the order.
The committee will: Examine the existing legal and regulatory framework concerning customary quarrying practices. Assess the environmental implications and gather input from relevant stakeholders, particularly the Pollution Control Committee and Forest Department.
Explore administrative mechanisms for structured revival in accordance with the J&K Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2016. Recommend sustainable, scientific, and community-sensitive modalities for quarry operations. Suggest a path forward for consideration by the Competent Authority.
This move is seen as an effort to balance environmental concerns with the revival of traditional livelihoods in quarrying communities. The committee’s findings are expected to shape policy direction on mining-related activities in ecologically sensitive areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
