J&K govt defends mining contracts, says local workers engaged in ops across UT

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government has denied allegations that mining contracts across the Union Territory have adversely affected the livelihood of thousands of locals, saying local workers are engaged in operations.In response to queries raised by MLA Gulmarg, Farooq Ahmad Shah in the assembly, the Minister Incharge of the Mining Department said that most of these contracts are operated through local workers to ensure that the economic interests of the people remain protected.The government cited S.O. 559 dated 15.11.2022, which allows customary mining by traditional Hanjis, Khanias, and Muleteers, as a safeguard for local livelihoods.

Regarding concerns over the impact of mining on irrigation and water supply schemes, the government clarified that all mining contracts are awarded only after obtaining environmental clearance from the competent authority of the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change. The process is conducted as per the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification of 2006, which has been amended from time to time. The department also ensures that No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the Irrigation and Flood Control Department are obtained before granting environmental clearance and mineral concessions.

The minister assured the house that mining operations are being conducted under the Mines & Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act, 1957, and the J&K Mining Rules (SRO-105 of 2016, dated 31.03.2016).To curb illegal mining, stringent actions have been taken, including the seizure of vehicles and machinery involved in unauthorized extraction, according to official data presented in the assembly.As per the data, in 2023-24, a total of 336 vehicles/machines were seized, and penalties amounting to Rs 80.72 lakh were imposed, while in 2024-25 (up to January 2025), 345 vehicles/machines were seized, with fines reaching Rs 51.32 lakh.

The government also confirmed that mining contracts have been auctioned across rivers and tributaries in J&K under Chapter VI of the J&K Minor Mineral Concession, Storage, Transportation of Minerals, and Prevention of Illegal Mining Rules, 2016 (SRO-105 of 2016, dated 31.03.2016). Specifically, in Nallah Ferozepora, Baramulla, the department has granted seven mining leases so far, it said.