High-level committee formed to revive stone quarrying in Pantha Chowk, Bandipora

Srinagar, Sep 22: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has constituted a high-level committee to examine and finalize modalities for reviving customary stone quarrying activities at Panthachowk, Saderkoot, Bala Bandipora, and other locations.

As per an order issued by the General Administration Department (GAD) a copy of which lies with news agency JKNS, the committee is headed by the Special Secretary, Mining Department, and includes representatives from the Forest, Revenue, Jal Shakti, Rural Development, Geology & Mining Departments, the University of Kashmir, and the J&K Pollution Control Committee.

The panel has been tasked with reviewing the legal framework, assessing environmental impacts, exploring administrative mechanisms, and suggesting sustainable and community-sensitive approaches for quarrying operations.

It has been directed to submit a detailed report with recommendations within 30 days to facilitate informed decision-making on the revival of stone quarrying in the Union Territory.