SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Thursday said that 527 out of 691 stone crusher units in the Union Territory are currently operational, asserting that the closure of non-compliant units has not significantly impacted ongoing developmental works.
Responding to a calling attention notice moved by MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia in the Assembly, the Mining Department stated that 164 units are non-operational, including 48 that have been sealed or closed, while the majority continue to function after complying with legal and environmental requirements.
The government maintained that crusher units are operating “in the same manner over a period of time” by following due process of law, and dismissed concerns that recent closures have disrupted construction activity. It said that adequate availability of processed construction material is being ensured for executing agencies.
The reply attributed closures primarily to violations of regulatory norms, including lack of valid consent to operate, absence of environmental clearances, non-compliance with pollution control measures, and failure to secure permissions for land use conversion. In several cases, authorities acted after issuing repeated notices, but units failed to rectify deficiencies.
District-wise data indicates that Pulwama has the highest number of non-functional units at 28, followed by Kathua (32), Samba (18), Rajouri (14), and Poonch (14). In contrast, districts such as Bandipora, Shopian and Ganderbal have all units functional, reflecting uneven enforcement and compliance patterns across the Union Territory.
The government said that closures were carried out strictly under provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Minor Mineral Concession, Storage, Transportation of Minerals and Prevention of Illegal Mining Rules, 2016, along with guidelines issued by the Pollution Control Committee. The action, it added, aims to curb illegal mining, protect environmental standards, and ensure public health safeguards.
Officials further said that regular inspections are being conducted to prevent illegal operations and that strict action is being taken against violators. The government reiterated its position that regulatory enforcement is necessary to balance developmental needs with environmental protection, while ensuring that there is no loss to the revenue exchequer.
The issue of stone crusher closures had triggered concern among contractors and stakeholders over possible disruptions in construction supply chains, but the government maintained that the impact on development works remains minimal.
