The Deputy Chief Minister (Dy CM) Surinder Choudhary chaired a review meeting on the revival of customary mining and stone quarrying at identified locations across Kashmir. He emphasised the need for prompt decisions on sand and stone quarrying and the lifting of loose material to ensure uninterrupted availability of construction material for the public. The meeting was attended by several Members of the Legislative Assembly and senior mining officials.

The Dy CM reiterated the government’s commitment to curb illegal mining and instructed authorities to ensure that restrictions on unlawful operations do not cause shortages of construction inputs. He urged timely formulation of a comprehensive Mining Policy for Jammu and Kashmir to secure optimal utilisation of mineral resources while protecting environmental interests. The Dy CM stressed transparency in operations and directed that no illegal practices be tolerated in any district.

Detailed discussions covered measures for effective royalty collection from companies engaged in mining and the speedy disposal of pending penalties and court cases to facilitate seamless departmental functioning. The meeting reviewed plans for the structured revival of customary stone quarrying at locations including Panthachowk in Srinagar and Sadrekoot Bala in Bandipora. Officials explored modalities for regulated mining operations and the formulation of mechanisms to streamline quarrying activity in the interest of public convenience. The Dy CM called for close coordination among departments to finalise procedures without delay.

The administration was instructed to balance developmental needs with environmental sustainability and to finalise modalities that maintain ecological balance while ensuring material availability. Emphasis was placed on people centric and environmentally responsible decision making to preserve natural resources and support construction requirements. The Dy CM also urged prompt resolution of legal and financial impediments to enable regulated mining activities to resume effectively.