• 517 units inspected since Jan, 2025; 229 legal notices, 146 closure directions issued: Javed Rana

SRINAGAR: The Government today informed the Legislative Assembly that the Jammu & Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) inspected 517 stone-crusher units across the Union Territory from January 2025 till date, issuing 229 legal notices and 146 closure directions for violation of environmental and pollution-control norms.

This was stated by Minister for Forest, Ecology & Environment, Javed Ahmed Rana, while replying to a question raised by MLA Ajaz Ahmad Jan. The Minister said that in Kashmir Division, 318 crusher units were inspected, 154 legal notices issued and 112 closure orders issued. In Jammu Division, 199 inspections were conducted, resulting in 75 legal notices and 34 closure directions.

The Government stated these directions were issued under the relevant provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. The action was taken, among other reasons, against units found operating without the requisite NOC from the concerned Deputy Commissioner, without valid consent from the J&K Pollution Control Committee and without adequate or requisite pollution-control measures.

The Government also provided details of four stone crushers approved for establishment in Poonch district, from January 2025 till date, located at Seeri Chowana, Salotri and Bhainch areas, with the approvals granted in accordance with the prescribed norms and criteria.

Javed Rana stated that permissions for setting up and operating stone crushers in the Union Territory are being granted only after ensuring compliance with prescribed environmental norms, siting criteria and applicable regulations.

The minister stated that consents have been granted in accordance with the criteria and norms prescribed by the competent authority, while adhering to the environmental guidelines and siting criteria governing the establishment and operation of stone crushers in Jammu and Kashmir.

He further stated that the applicable framework includes the JKPCC Order No. 70 of 2025 dated May 9, 2025, along with the subsequent amendment to the Siting Criteria for establishment and operation of stone crushers in Jammu and Kashmir issued vide JKPCC Order No. 124-JKPCC of 2025 dated August 30, 2025.

The Government also informed the House that, from January 1, 2025 till date, 58 applications for consent to establish and operate stone crushers had been received. Of these, 27 applications were approved, 28 rejected, while one application is under process.

In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here