The Jammu and Kashmir government has taken decisive action against stone crusher units operating in violation of environmental regulations, with 146 units ordered to cease operations. This move comes after extensive inspections conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) across the Union Territory. Since the beginning of 2025, a total of 517 stone crusher units have been scrutinized, leading to the issuance of 229 legal notices and the aforementioned 146 closure orders for non-compliance with established environmental norms.
The comprehensive data on these enforcement actions was presented to the Legislative Assembly by the Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment, Javed Ahmed Rana. The minister was responding to a query posed by MLA Ajaz Ahmad Jan, who sought details on the regulatory oversight of industrial activities impacting the environment. The inspections and subsequent actions highlight a significant push by the administration to ensure that industrial operations, particularly those in the extractive sector, adhere to stringent pollution control standards. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the environmental protection measures are being rigorously enforced to mitigate the ecological footprint of such industries.
Breaking down the enforcement figures, the Kashmir Division saw 318 stone crusher units inspected. This resulted in the issuance of 154 legal notices, indicating a substantial number of units found to be in contravention of environmental laws. Furthermore, 112 closure orders were issued in the Kashmir Division, directly impacting operations that failed to meet the required standards. In the Jammu Division, the JKPCC conducted inspections of 199 stone crusher units. These inspections led to 75 legal notices being served and 34 closure directions being issued, reflecting a consistent pattern of enforcement across both regions of the Union Territory.
The legal framework underpinning these actions is derived from critical environmental legislation. The government stated that the enforcement measures were undertaken in accordance with the provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. These acts provide the statutory basis for regulating industrial emissions and effluents, ensuring that activities do not adversely affect water bodies and air quality. The Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment, Javed Ahmed Rana, emphasized that the actions were specifically targeted at units operating without the necessary clearances, including the requisite No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the concerned Deputy Commissioner. Additionally, units functioning without valid consent from the J&K Pollution Control Committee or those lacking adequate pollution-control measures were also subjected to enforcement actions.
Beyond the punitive measures, the government also provided an update on the establishment of new stone crusher units. It was informed to the Assembly that four stone crusher units have received approval for establishment in the Poonch district since January of this year. These approved units are situated in specific areas, namely Seeri Chowana, Salotri, and Bhainch. The clearance for these new establishments was granted only after they demonstrated full compliance with the prescribed environmental norms and met the stringent siting criteria mandated by the authorities. This indicates a balanced approach, where enforcement against non-compliant units is coupled with a regulated process for the approval of new, environmentally sound operations.
Minister Rana further elaborated on the approval process for new stone crushers, assuring the House that permissions for establishment and operation are now being granted exclusively after a thorough verification of compliance with environmental regulations. This includes a meticulous assessment of siting criteria and adherence to all other prescribed norms. He stated that all approvals are being issued in strict accordance with the guidelines notified by the competent authority. Furthermore, the process aligns with the environmental safeguards that govern the operation of stone crushers within Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring that future industrial growth is sustainable and environmentally responsible. This detailed oversight aims to prevent a recurrence of the issues that led to the closure of numerous existing units.
The administrative focus on regulating the stone crushing industry is further underscored by the volume of applications received for new units. The government informed the Assembly that since January 1, 2025, a total of 58 applications seeking consent to establish and operate stone crushers have been submitted. Out of these, 27 applications have been approved, signifying that a significant number of prospective operators have successfully navigated the regulatory framework. Conversely, 28 applications were rejected, indicating that a substantial portion did not meet the required environmental and operational standards. One application remains under the ongoing process of review, highlighting the diligence involved in evaluating each proposal. This comprehensive approach to both enforcement and new approvals reflects the administration’s commitment to environmental stewardship while facilitating regulated industrial development.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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