Srinagar, Sep 24: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has said it is maintaining a regulated and sustainable approach to mineral extraction, with the aim of protecting the environment while ensuring sufficient construction material for development and infrastructure projects.

The government made the statement in a written reply in the Legislative Assembly to a question raised by MLA Irfan Hafiz Lone on steps being taken to address environmental concerns linked to mining activities and maintain the availability of construction material across Jammu and Kashmir.

According to the government, mineral extraction in the Union Territory is governed by the Jammu and Kashmir Minor Mineral Concession, Storage, Transportation and Prevention of Illegal Mining Rules, 2016, along with relevant environmental regulations and statutory requirements.

The government said the existing regulatory mechanism seeks to ensure that mining is carried out in accordance with prescribed norms while also meeting the material requirements of ongoing development and infrastructure projects.