Only 522 Stone Crushers Operational as Govt Tightens Regulation  | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir currently has 693 registered stone crusher and hot/wet mix plant units, of which 522 are functional while 171 are non-functional, including 48 that have been sealed or completely closed, according to official figures, as the government steps up regulation of minor mineral-based industries under the Jammu and Kashmir Stone Crushers/Hot and Wet Mixing Plants Regulation Rules, 2021.

The data was shared in the context of measures taken to streamline the sector following the issuance of S.O.-60 of 2021 dated February 23, 2021. The rules lay down a structured framework for establishment and operation of stone crushers and mixing plants, assigning regulatory oversight to the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee, the concerned Deputy Commissioners and the respective District Industries Centres. The Geology and Mining Department’s role is limited to monitoring and regulating the supply of raw material from legal sources to these units.

District-wise figures show significant concentration of crusher units in a few areas.

In south Kashmir, Anantnag has 29 units, of which 25 are functional and four non-functional. Bandipora has four units and all are operational. Kulgam has nine units, with eight functional and one closed. Baramulla reports 46 units, with 45 working and one non-functional. Kupwara has 18 units, nine operational and nine shut. Pulwama accounts for the highest number in the Valley at 134 units, with 106 functional and 28 non-functional.

Shopian has four units and all are operational. Ganderbal has 14 units, all functional. Budgam has 109 units, of which 107 are operational and two closed. Srinagar has 16 units, with 12 functional and four non-functional.

In Jammu division, Jammu district has 67 crusher units, with 53 functional and 14 non-functional. Kathua has 76 units, of which 44 are operational and 32 closed. Samba reports 24 units, with only six functional and 18 non-functional. Rajouri has 33 units, 19 working and 14 shut. Poonch has 30 units, of which 16 are functional and 14 closed.

Udhampur has 22 units, 19 operational and three non-functional. Reasi has 11 units, with four functional and seven closed. Ramban reports six units, four working and two shut. Doda has 18 units, with seven operational and 11 non-functional. Kishtwar has 23 units, of which 16 are functional and seven closed.

Overall, the figures indicate that while a majority of stone crushers continue to operate, a sizeable segment remains either closed or sealed, reflecting tighter compliance checks and enforcement. Officials said the regulatory framework is aimed at ensuring environmental safeguards, proper licensing and legal sourcing of raw materials, while bringing greater oversight and accountability to the sector.