Srinagar, Sep 29: The Jammu & Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) has inspected 517 stone-crusher units across the Union Territory since January 2025, issuing 229 legal notices and 146 closure directions for violations of environmental and pollution-control norms.

Minister for Forest, Ecology & Environment Javed Ahmed Rana informed the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday while replying to a question raised by MLA Ajaz Ahmad Jan.
Of the total inspections, 318 were conducted in Kashmir Division, resulting in 154 legal notices and 112 closure directions. In Jammu Division, 199 crusher units were inspected, with 75 legal notices and 34 closure directions issued.
The action was taken under provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
According to the government, violations included operation without the requisite No Objection Certificate from the concerned Deputy Commissioner, absence of valid consent from the JKPCC and failure to install adequate pollution-control measures.
Rana said permissions for establishing and operating stone crushers are granted only after compliance with prescribed environmental norms, siting criteria and applicable regulations.
The government said four stone crushers in Poonch district were approved for establishment since January 2025, at locations including Seeri Chowana, Salotri and Bhainch, after meeting the prescribed criteria.
It said the regulatory framework includes JKPCC Order No. 70 of 2025, dated May 9, 2025, and the subsequent amended siting criteria issued through Order No. 124-JKPCC of 2025, dated August 30, 2025.
The House was further informed that 58 applications seeking consent to establish and operate stone crushers had been received since January 1, 2025. Of these, 27 were approved, 28 rejected and one remains under process.