The Jammu and Kashmir government said on Friday that the ‘No-Objection Certificate’ for operating stone crusher units will be provided within 30 days.
In an order issued by the General Administration Department, the Deputy Commissioner has been designated as ‘Service Officer’ for issuing NOCs to those desiring to operate Stone Crusher Unit
The stipulated time frame for providing NOC is 30 days after which the applicant, if denied the certificate, can appeal against the decision.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 4 of the Jammu and Kashrnir Public Services Guarantee Act, 2011 (Act No. IX of 2011), the Government hereby notifies the designated officers as appellate authorities for the Mining Department,” the order said.
While the Divisional Commissioner will be the First Appellate Authority for aggrieved applicants, Financial Commissioner Revenue has been identified as Second Appellate Authority.
Earlier on February 23, the administration had notified the J&K Stone Crushers/ Hot and Wet Mixing Plants Regulation Rules, 2021, doing away with the requirement of a licence to start operation of stone crushers/ hot and wet mixing plants in the Union Territory.
While there are environmental concerns over the decision, the government had defended the move, saying it will promote ‘Ease of Doing Business’ by creating a business-friendly environment.
“The decision will facilitate establishment and functioning of stone crushers, hot & wet mixing plants and boost the supply of raw material required in the construction sector. It will also expedite completion of various mega-projects in Jammu & Kashmir,” an official statement said.
The new rules recognised a stone crusher/hot and wet mixing plant as a mineral-based (raw material) processing unit different from those indulged in mineral mining activity.
As such, the applicability of provisions regulating the working of industrial units has been extended to cover these units, thus, doing away with the need of obtaining respective licences from the Mining Department.
However, if a stone crusher/hot and wet mixing plant undertakes mining of minerals as an additional line of activity, it shall then be additionally governed by the rules applicable to mining industrial units.