Calls for comprehensive policy to ensure certainty, sustainability
SRINAGAR: The Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) has called upon the Government of Jammu & Kashmir to formally recognize stone crushing as a core infrastructure-support industry and frame and notify a comprehensive Stone Crusher Policy covering zoning, relocation, and assured raw material supply.
FCIK, in a statement issued here, stated that the objective of such a policy is to end the prevailing climate of uncertainty and harassment by replacing ad-hoc enforcement with rule-based and transparent governance, ensure implementation of court and administrative directions in letter and spirit, and institutionalize stakeholder engagement, in policy formulation and monitoring.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, FCIK said the stone crushing industry—central to roads, bridges, tunnels, railways, housing, power projects, and all major infrastructure works—is facing an existential crisis due to prolonged policy paralysis, regulatory ambiguity, and inconsistent enforcement. The sector directly and indirectly employs tens of thousands of people and any disruption has a cascading impact on development timelines and construction costs.
FCIK informed that the stone crusher activity falls under the Orange category of the Pollution Control framework, which clearly recognizes the activity as legitimate and environmentally manageable with scientific planning.
However, nearly 1,000 stone-crushing units operating across the Kashmir Valley are functioning in a scattered and unplanned manner due to the absence of designated zones, making compliance with rigid siting norms impractical and exposing units to repeated notices, closures, and uncertainty from the Pollution Control Committee (PCC).
FCIK pointed out that the Hon’ble High Court, through directions conveyed by the top administration including the Chief Secretary, has already emphasized the creation of designated, activity-specific stone crusher zones.
“The continued non-implementation of these directions has pushed a lawful industry into distress and rendered private investment unsafe”, stated FCIK.
The Chamber reiterated the urgent need for district-wise stone crusher zones, identified through scientific assessment of land availability, environmental carrying capacity, and proximity to raw material sources. These zones should be supported with common infrastructure such as internal roads, drainage, dust suppression systems, green belts, weighbridges, and real-time monitoring, along with single-window clearances for PCC, mining, power, and other statutory approvals.
Addressing existing units, FCIK stressed that any relocation must be phased, consultative, and incentive-based. No legally operating unit should be rendered non-functional without an alternative site. Subsidized land, reasonable timelines, and transitional support are essential to protect investments made in good faith.
FCIK further highlighted the acute raw material crisis crippling the industry since 2019.
“Blanket bans on over-ground quarry extraction—earlier meeting nearly 80 percent of industry demand—and restrictive auctioning of minor mineral blocks have created artificial scarcity, encouraging monopolies, cartelization, and inflated prices”, stated FCIK , demanding urgent rationalization or lifting of the blanket ban on over-ground quarries and permission for regulated extraction from nallahs and riverine sources under strict environmental oversight.
“Transparency can be ensured through check posts, FASTag or GPS-based vehicle tracking, and robust monitoring systems”, observed FCIK, adding that equal, fair, and non-discriminatory access to raw material must be guaranteed to all local units to eliminate monopolistic control.
FCIK asserted that a balanced, region-sensitive, and environmentally responsible stone crusher policy is not merely an industry demand but a developmental imperative. Failure to act will lead to industrial sickness, job losses, escalating construction costs, and increased illegal activity.
“The stone crusher industry is not asking for exemptions or concessions,” FCIK emphasized.
“It is seeking policy certainty, fair regulation, and long-term sustainability. What the sector needs now is decisive and timely government action.” added the Chamber.