SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government told the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday that 48 stone crusher units have been closed or sealed across the Union territory, while 31 crusher units are owned directly or indirectly by politicians, bureaucrats or their close associates, the House was informed.
Officials said the sealed or closed units were declared such by district administrations, the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee or through court orders in several districts, but added that as reported, there is no evidence that any of the sealed crusher units continue to be involved in illegal mining activities despite their sealed status.
The department gave a district-wise breakdown showing Pulwama accounted for the largest number of sealed units with 28, followed by Reasi with four, Jammu and Ramban with two each, and single closures in Kishtwar, Rajouri and Kupwara. Udhampur had two sealed units and Poonch seven, bringing the total to 48.
Separately, the government disclosed that 31 crusher units across the Union territory are owned, directly or indirectly, by politicians, bureaucrats or their close associates. The district-wise distribution of those 31 units is: Jammu eight, Kathua six, Samba one, Udhampur four, Rajouri one, Poonch four, Reasi three, Kishtwar one, Ramban one, Kupwara one and Ganderbal one.
The department emphasised that stone crusher units are subject to siting criteria and environmental clearances, and that any violations invite legal action and regulatory measures. It added that the existing regulatory framework enables closure and sealing where necessary and that enforcement actions have been taken in districts including Jammu, Ramban, Reasi, Kishtwar, Rajouri, Poonch, Udhampur, Pulwama and Kupwara.
