Members of the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly voiced strong opposition today to the Union Territory’s current mining policy, citing its adverse impact on local livelihoods and environmental sustainability.
During the ongoing autumn session, legislators from multiple parties criticized the guidelines for allegedly favoring large contractors at the expense of traditional sand diggers, laborers, and small-scale operators. The debate highlighted concerns over limited access to riverbeds, inflated royalty rates, and procedural hurdles that have disrupted income sources for thousands of families.
- Exclusion of local workers from mining contracts due to stringent eligibility norms.
- Environmental risks posed by mechanized extraction and unchecked operations.
- Revenue losses for Panchayats and local bodies under the centralized auction model.
Lawmakers urged the government to revisit the policy and incorporate safeguards that protect community interests, ensure ecological balance, and promote inclusive economic growth. The Minister for Mining and Geology assured the House that stakeholder consultations would be held before finalizing any amendments.
