Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary clarified that stone crushers and hot mix plants can only be set up after obtaining the necessary No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from relevant departments.
Responding to a query raised by MLA Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad in the Legislative Assembly, Choudhary stated that minor mineral-based units must secure approval from the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Board. Additionally, an NOC from the Deputy Commissioner is required for land title verification before such units can operate.
Regarding a partially functional stone crusher at Bi-e-Maidan Kralgund Qaziabad Langate, the Deputy CM said that five kanals of land under Survey Nos. 33 min and 35 min in Bilmaidan village, Rasripora Lariganapora, Tehsil Qaziabad, have been identified for setting up a batching plant, bitumen plant, and main store. This temporary arrangement, for 30 months, aims to support the completion of the RKCTC road, a national priority project under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH). He added that the final decision is pending as the Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara, is still processing required documents.
Choudhary further stated that under SO 60 of 2021, issued on February 23, 2021, stone crusher units do not require an NOC from the Geology and Mining Department. However, lease agreements, environmental clearances, and other departmental approvals are still under process. The responsibility of determining the operational status of stone crushers lies with the respective district administration, he added.