Govt forms committee to explore revival of stone quarrying across Jammu and Kashmir
The Jammu and Kashmir government has formed a high-level committee to explore and finalize the revival of traditional stone quarrying in Panthachowk, Saderkoot, Bala Bandipora, and other identified areas across the Union Territory.
This decision follows growing demands from local communities and the construction sector for access to local stone resources, which have been restricted in recent years due to environmental and regulatory concerns.
The committee, chaired by the Special Secretary of the Mining Department, includes officials from the Forest, Revenue, Jal Shakti, Rural Development, Geology and Mining departments, the University of Kashmir, and the J&K Pollution Control Committee. Its task is to review the legal framework, assess environmental impacts, and recommend ways to resume quarrying while balancing economic needs with ecological protection. A report is expected within 30 days.
While quarrying has historically supported local livelihoods and construction projects, concerns over illegal extraction and environmental degradation led to the suspension of operations in many areas. The restrictions, though necessary for environmental protection, have also resulted in job losses and higher construction costs due to reliance on imported materials.
Local workers have welcomed the committee's formation but stress the importance of community involvement in the decision-making process. Environmentalists have urged caution, highlighting the potential for soil erosion and other ecological damage if quarrying is resumed without strict oversight.
The committee will also explore modern quarrying techniques that reduce environmental harm and promote site restoration. Builders argue that reviving local quarrying will lower construction costs and create jobs, benefitting both the economy and local communities.
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