SRINAGAR | Dec 3, 2017: At least 600 crushers and hot-wet mix plants functioning “illegally” in the state have been directed to get registered with the Geology and Mining Department by December end or “shut their operations”.
“Final opportunity is given to all the existing minor mineral based units/stone crushers, hot wet mix plants to apply and obtain the license under rules from the Director Geology and Mining by December 31, 2017, failing which operation/functional of all such units shall not be allowed and action under law shall be initiated against the defaulters,” a recent circular issued by Director Geology and Mining said.
An official of the department said that there were no rules for registration and operation of stone crushers, hot and wet mix plants in JK.
They were being allowed to operate by the Geology and Mining Department only on obtaining no-objection certificates (NOCs) from certain departments. However, in 2015, the government issued guidelines for registration and operation of stone crushers, hot and wet mix plants on July 14, 2015. Subsequently, the government notified JK Mineral Exploitation and Processing Rules 2017 on July 19, 2017, for regulation of minor mineral based units/stone crushers, hot/wet mix plants.
The registration and licences were made mandatory for them to operate. “Directives were also issued in July this year, but the unit holders did not get registered with the department,” the official said.
The official said that government has decided to “shut their operations” if they fail to get registered with the department by December 31.
As per the rules, the crusher and other units shall be given license for a period of five years and shall be allowed to operate after the commencement of these rules provided that the unit holder has obtained all clearances applicable before the commencement of rules and applies for fresh license within a period of two months from the commencement of these rules. They can operate only at reserved areas as mentioned in rules.
(Source: https://kashmirmonitor.in/)