Pulwama, July 13, 2024 – In a significant development today, Dr. Bilal Ahmad Bhat, a noted social and political activist, along with prominent members of the Stone Quarry Association, including Nazir Ahmad Badam, Farooq Ahmad (Sarpanch), Mohammad Shafi Para, and several others, visited the DC Office in Pulwama. Their objective was to meet Mr. Basharat Qayoom, IAS, District Magistrate of Pulwama, to discuss the pressing grievances of the stone quarry workers.
Unfortunately, the delegation was unable to secure a meeting with Mr. Qayoom, as he directed them to Er. Mohammad Manzoor, the District Mineral Officer (DMO). Despite this setback, the association expressed their gratitude for Mr. Qayoom’s gesture and the DMO’s generosity in hearing their concerns.
The delegation highlighted the longstanding history of stone quarrying in the region. For nearly 150 years, the inhabitants of Wuyan, Khrew, Khonmoh, Shar-I-Shali, Ladhoo, Mandekpal, and other adjacent areas of Tehsil Pampore have relied on stone quarries and crushing units for their livelihood. This tradition, passed down through generations, now supports the educated youth in the absence of other job opportunities, making it a critical source of income and educational funding for local families.
The delegation detailed the severe challenges faced by the quarry workers in recent years. Restrictions on stone excavation and crushing have severely impacted their ability to sustain their livelihoods. Many have taken loans from financial institutions, which have now become non-performing assets (NPAs) due to the cessation of work. Additionally, families are struggling to pay school fees, threatening the fundamental right to education for their children.
The quarry holders emphasized their compliance with the regulations set by the Geology and Mining Department, highlighting that short-term permits were issued and duly renewed until June 2019. Since then, all quarry activities have been halted, affecting not only the quarry holders but also 70 stone crusher units in the Wuyan area. These units represent significant investments and play a vital role in the state’s infrastructure development, providing employment to many.
In their memorandum, submitted via email on July 13, 2024, to Shri Manoj Sinha Ji, Honorable Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, the delegation requested urgent intervention on humanitarian grounds. They appealed for measures to restore their operations and ensure the welfare of their community, stressing the critical need for governmental support to address their grievances.
The stone quarry workers remain hopeful that their plight will be acknowledged and addressed promptly to secure their livelihoods and educational prospects for their children.
