Himalayan Quarry and Tipper Association ‘ seek revocation of ban on stone quarries
Srinagar, Mar 1: Himalayan Quarry and Tipper Association while welcoming the government initiative of ” ease of doing business ” have pitched for the revocation of ban on stone quarries saying how they are going to arrange raw materials after setting up of plants.
President Himalayan Quarry and Tipper Association , Mohammad Maqbool Parray said that UT Government of Jammu and Kashmir on February 23, 2021 issued the Jammu and Kashmir Stone Crushers / Hot and Wet Mixing Plants Regulation Rules, 2021 which shall extend to the whole of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
“It abolished the requirement of a license to start operation of stone crushers / hot and wet mixing plants in Jammu and Kashmir, It has removed the burden of dual registration, thus taking a step towards “Ease of doing business”.
“This step by the Government came like a surprise and is being highly appreciated. But this notice contradicts the ban on stone quarries. Because of banned stone quarries, how are they going to arrange raw materials after setting up of plants!
He said like this decision, mine workers have pinned their hopes for another surprise of revocation on ban on stone quarries as it forms the source of only income of many workers who are forced to live under deteriorated circumstances.
Geology and Mining department delegitimized the Athwajan and Pantha Chowk belt which was one of Kashmir’s most vibrant economic hubs and an old spot for stone mining. Miners complain of administrative negligence, and enforced unemployment and poverty.
The absence of legalized extraction also meant that the people in this business have failed to generate any legal income since then, thus forced to live in impoverished situation.
“These miners who were financially dependent on stone quarry are unable to arrange even basic necessities to live. They are unable to feed their families with 3 time meal,” he said.
They are forced to keep their children uneducated as their are not in the financial position to pay fee. They are living under the burden of loans. The Association has appealed government to lift the ban on stone quarries as soon as possible in the interest of thousands of quarry workers.(KNT)
