||Black and White Digital News ||

||Parvinder Singh July 07,2024 ||

KATHUA:Deputy Commissioner of Kathua issued a directive to cease the operations of 25 stone crushers in the district. The decision was made during a review meeting focused on the functioning and regulatory compliance of these units. This order mandates the cessation of all operations and the removal of associated structures within seven days, failing which the administration will initiate stringent action against the proprietors.

Mining Mafia Involvement:The shutdown order highlights the pervasive influence of the mining mafia in Kathua. Unauthorized and illegal mining activities have been rampant, causing significant environmental degradation and posing serious threats to law and order. Numerous FIRs have been registered against individuals and groups involved in these illicit activities, indicating the administration’s commitment to tackling this issue head-on.

Environmental and Pollution Hazards:The unregulated operation of these stone crushers has led to severe pollution hazards in the region. Dust emissions and noise pollution from the crushers have adversely affected the health and well-being of local communities. The environmental impact includes the degradation of air quality and potential harm to local flora and fauna, necessitating immediate corrective measures.

Economic Impact and Loss to State Government:Illegal mining activities have resulted in substantial financial losses to the state government. The evasion of taxes and royalties by these unauthorized operations has deprived the state of crucial revenue. The crackdown aims to curb these losses by ensuring that only compliant and licensed operations continue, thereby promoting legal and sustainable business practices.

Interstate Supply and Border Concerns:Kathua’s geographical location, sharing borders with Punjab, has facilitated the interstate supply of illegally mined materials. This cross-border movement has exacerbated the challenge of regulating and monitoring mining activities. The administration’s directive is a step towards curbing the interstate flow of illegally sourced materials, thereby strengthening the regulatory framework.

Unit Holders’ Perspective:The owners of the affected stone crushers have expressed significant concerns over the shutdown order. They cite huge investments in their businesses, including substantial bank loans and financial liabilities. The unit holders feel that the government is treating them unfairly and showing step-motherly treatment to the business community. They argue that their operations are crucial for local employment and the economy.

As per sources, the unit holders have approached various political leaders seeking intervention, but the district administration has remained unresponsive. The owners are now considering legal action and view the Hon’ble court as their last recourse to challenge the order and protect their investments.

Administrative Measures and Compliance:The Deputy Commissioner’s order is clear and unambiguous,all unit holders must halt their operations and dismantle their structures within the stipulated seven-day period. Failure to comply will result in legal action, including fines, penalties, and possible prosecution. The District Mineral Officer of Kathua will oversee the enforcement of this directive, ensuring adherence to environmental and safety standards.

This decisive action by the Deputy Commissioner of Kathua underscores the administration’s resolve to address the multifaceted issues posed by illegal stone crushing activities. By targeting the mining mafia, mitigating pollution hazards, and preventing economic losses, the order aims to restore environmental balance and uphold the rule of law. The administration’s vigilance and proactive measures signal a stringent regulatory approach, ensuring sustainable and lawful operations in the district’s mining sector.

Complete List of Stone Crushers Ordered to Shut Down:

1. M/s Bharat S/C

Location:Vill: Kishanpur Kandi, Teh:Hiranagar, Distt: Kathua. Owner Sh. Kewal Krishan S/o Sh. Tej Ram Sharma, R/o Shiva Nagar, Teh & Distt: Kathua

2. M/s Mahaveer S/C

Location:At Tandiyari Channi Kathua.Owner Sh. Sanjeev Gupta S/o Sh. Dwaraka Nath, R/o Chann Arorria Channi Kathua

3. M/s Shree Ram S/C

Location at Sahar Khad, Teh & Distt Kathua

Owner Smt. Kanta Sharma R/o Ward No. 02, Teh & Distt Kathua.

4.M/s Shiv Baba S/C

Location:Vill Sahar Khad, Teh & Distt: Kathua

Owner Sh. Sohan Singh R/o Ward no. 02, Teh & Distt Kathua

5.M/s Sai Baba Sand Screener

Location:VillTaraj Tajwal, Teh & Distt: Kathua

Owner Sh. Rajinder Singh S/o Sh. Saran Singh, R/o Ward no. 02, Teh & Distt: Kathua

6.M/s Sai Baba Stone Crusher

Location:Vill. Keedian Gandyal, Kathua

Owner Sh. Omkar Singh S/o Sh. Anchal Singh, R/o Saidpur, Tehsil & District Kathua

7.M/s Satkar Stone Crusher

Location Vill. Keedian Gandyal, Kathua

Owner Sh. Subash Chander S/o Sh. Nand Lal, R/o Village Harsath, Tehsil Hiranagar, Kathua

8. M/s Faith Stone Crusher

Location Vill. Keedian Gandyal, Kathua

Owner Sh. Raman Sharma S/o Sh. Vishnu Dutt Sharma, R/o Satke Chak, Kathua

9.M/s Ashok Stone Crusher**

Location Vill. Keedian Gandyal, Kathua

Owner Sh. Ashok Mehta S/o Sh. Jagdish Chander, R/o Satke Chak, Kathua

10 M/s Raavi Stone Crusher

Location VillKeedian Gandyal, Kathua

Owner Sh. Vinod Singh S/o Sh. Anchal Singh, R/o Baghthalli, Kathua

11.M/s Radha Krishan Stone Crusher

Location Vill. Keedian Gandyal, Kathua

Owner Smt. Neena Dogra D/o Sh. Ram Dass Dogra

12.M/s K.S. Enterprise

LocationVill. Keedian Gandyal, Kathua

Owner Sh. Arun Kumar S/o Sh. Rattan Chand, R/o V.P.O. Kootah, Tehsil Hiranagar, District Kathua

13.M/s Jai Shree Stone Crusher

Location Vill. Keedian Gandyal, Kathua

Owner Smt. Anita Sharma D/o Sh. Mulkh Raj Sharma, R/o Ward No. 01, Kathua

14.M/s Om Stone Crusher

LocationVill. Keedian Gandyal, Kathua

Owner Smt. Surekha Sharma D/o Sh. Ram Murti, R/o Pakki Dhakki, Jammu

15. M/s Jai Maa Stone Crusher

Location Vill. Keedian Gandyal, Kathua

Owner Sh. Rajesh Kumar S/o Sh. Nain Sukh

16.M/s Shree Ganesh Stone Crusher

Location.Vill. Keedian Gandyal, Kathua

Owner sh. Sukhdev Singh S/o Sh. Dhian Singh, R/o Chak Gaddadar, Kathua

17M/s Kalyani Stone Crusher

Location: Vill. Keedian Gandyal, Kathua

Owner Sh. Jagdish Kumar S/o Sh. Dharam Chand, R/o Jasrota, Kathua

18.M/s Shree Krishna Stone Crusher

Location Vill. Keedian Gandyal, Kathua

Owner Smt. Monika Sharma W/o Sh. Sarweshar Sharma, R/o Ward No. 10, Kathua

19.M/s Lakhdata Stone Crusher

Location Vill. Keedian Gandyal, Kathua

Owner Sh. Sanjeev Kumar S/o Sh. Maan Chand

20. M/s J.K. Grit Stone Crusher

Location Vill. Keedian Gandyal, Kathua

Owner Sh. Anil Jain S/o Sh. Kulbushan Jain

21.M/s Rudra Stone Crusher

Location Vill. Keedian Gandyal, Kathua

Owner Sh. Surinder Singh Manhas S/o Sh. Karnail Singh, R/o Chak Devia, Kathua

22. M/s Shree Krishna Stone Crusher

Location Vill. Keedian Gandyal, Kathua

Owner Smt. Sushma Rani D/o Sh. Ripu Dhaman Singh, R/o Halti Morh, Kathua

23.M/s Sukrala Stone Crusher

Location At Crusher, Billawar

Owner Manish Jain

24 M/s Sheetla Stone Crusher

Location at Billawar

Owner Ashok Kumar

25.M/s Shiv Shanker Sand Screener

Location at Taraf Tajwal

Owner Smt. Sarita Singh W/o Sh. Sohan