Raw material shortage stalls development projects in Baramulla

Baramulla, Sep 29: Development projects and construction activities across Baramulla district have come to a virtual standstill as the Department of Geology and Mining continues its stringent crackdown on stone quarrying. The department has imposed a blanket ban on quarry operations, citing widespread non-compliance with mandatory environmental clearances.

Around 60–70 quarries in the district have been unable to extract raw material since the ban came into effect. The department has also stopped accepting royalty payments from quarry owners and has seized scores of boulder-laden trucks, with police reporting the detention of around 95 tippers. Many of the seized vehicles remain parked near police stations due to limited space.

Contractors and traders have expressed deep concern over the impact of the ban. Imtiyaz Ahmad, president of the Contractors Association Baramulla, said, “Almost all developmental works, especially road and building construction, have been badly affected. Thousands of people associated with this business are now jobless, and contractors are hesitant to participate in new tenders due to uncertainty over raw material availability.”

Private contractor Abdul Qayoom added, “Even if raw material is available, it is sold at exorbitant rates beyond our reach. The legal business of yesterday has suddenly been declared illegal today, leaving us idle. The government must clarify how the vacuum created by this move will be filled.”

Officials from the Geology and Mining Department defended the crackdown as legally mandated. “New regulations, along with a Supreme Court judgment, clearly state that mining activity can only proceed after following due process,” said a senior official. District Mining Officer Ifthikar Ahmad explained that environmental clearance (EC) and a proper mining plan are prerequisites, which many quarry operators failed to submit.

The crisis has been further compounded by a shortage of boulder material. While riverbed mining of 19 blocks has been permitted under certain conditions, only seven blocks are operational, producing roughly 1.8 lakh metric tonnes annually—far below the district’s demand.

Contractors warn that unless the government provides a viable solution, ongoing and planned development projects in Baramulla may face prolonged delays, with serious implications for employment and the local economy.

The Department of Geology and Mining has stopped stone quarrying due to environmental regulation issues. Development projects in Baramulla are stalled, leading to increased unemployment.

Contractors face shortages of raw materials and high prices for available resources.

Mining operations must comply with environmental clearances, which many quarries fail to do.

Delays in projects could negatively impact local employment and the economy without government intervention.