Illegal extraction by 11 stone crushers in Samba, complaint lodged

Action after proper investigation will be taken, says DMO

Mohit Mehra

Jammu, Oct 10: Choudhary Power Projects Pvt Ltd (CPPPL) has lodged a complaint with Deputy Commissioner Samba against illegal extraction by 11 stone crusher units in the district.
“We bring to your kind attention a matter of utmost importance that has been pending for a considerable period and is vital for the environmental and economic well-being of our region. As you are aware, we submitted a formal request for the extension of the Environment Clearance (EC) period in relation to the lease period, as per our previous communication dated 07-08-2023”, the CPPPL wrote to DC Samba.
“The rationale behind this request is to ensure that legal mining operations can continue uninterrupted in our area, which is critical for the economic sustenance of the local community and the region at large. We have diligently completed all the requisite formalities and documentation as per the guidelines of the Jammu and Kashmir Environment Impact Assessment Authority (JKEIAA)”, CPPPL mentioned in its letter addressed to DC Samba.
However, it has come to our attention that despite more than 90 days having elapsed since our initial request, there has been no visible action taken on our application.
This prolonged delay is causing severe distress, not only to us but also to the local community, as illegal mining activities have witnessed a notable surge in Samba during this period by the Minor Mineral-Based units M/S Asha Stone Crusher, ASHA STONE CRUSHER Vat. MALANI LOCATION BAI NALA , Samba M/S Anjali Stone Crusher, BEIN KHAD, GHAGWAL, Samba MS Ayodhya Stone PROOFING CO, Nonath Khad Ghagwal, Samba M/S Koushalya Stone Crusher, Village Malanl , Samba M/S Adarsh Stone Crusher, Village Rai Ghagwal, Samba KRISHNA Stone Crusher, Samba M/S Safa Stone Crusher, Village Bela Manhor, Samba M/S Choudhary Stone Crusher, Village Mudhera Nanak Chak, Samba 9. M/S New Stone Crusher, Village Penthi Distt Samba, Samba M/S Arman Stone Crusher, Village Tanda Samba, Samba and M/S Anita Stone Crusher, Bein Nallah Ghagwal Samba, Samba Particularly, as legal mining has no scope without EC, the illegal players are engaging in activities detrimental to our environment.
In the rainy season, a significant amount of replenishment material is deposited in our blocks, and these crusher units are illegally dumping minor minerals in different locations. These practices of illegal mining not only contribute to the black economy but also result in a loss to the state exchequer and to legal leaseholders who have invested substantial amounts in government mining activities. As emphasized in our previous communication vide No. I-E/J-TAWI/2023-24/859 dated 27-09-2023, we have made repeated attempts to bring this matter to the attention of the District Mineral Officer (DMO) and the Director of Geology and Mining in Jammu. However, it is possible that this matter might be beyond their purview or control. In light of the pressing need to curb illegal mining activities and to safeguard the environment, we earnestly request your intervention in this matter. We kindly request you initiate proactive steps to expedite the process of granting an extension of the EC period.
District Mining Officer (DMO), Samba when contacted said that a complaint has been received after proper verification action as per rules will be action against the violators if someone is found.