Pampore, J&K – July 13, 2024 – The residents of Wuyan, Khonmoh, Shar-I-Shali, Ladhoo, Mandekpal, and other neighboring areas of Tehsil Pampore have been engaged in stone quarrying and stone crushing for nearly 150 years. This traditional livelihood, passed down through generations, has become the backbone of the local economy, especially in an era marked by job scarcity.
The stone quarries and crushing units have been instrumental in providing a stable source of income for the educated youth of these villages, ensuring the livelihood and education of many families. Historically, Wuyan metal (WBM, WMM) was recognized and sanctioned by the government as a primary component for road pavement due to its superior quality. The region’s contribution as a significant supplier of construction material has also generated substantial revenue for the government through royalties and other charges.
However, the quarry workers and stone crusher operators have faced increasing challenges in recent years. Restrictions and regulatory hurdles imposed intermittently have severely impacted their ability to sustain their businesses. Many workers have taken loans from financial institutions, and the cessation of quarry operations has resulted in their inability to repay these loans, leading to their accounts becoming non-performing assets (NPAs). The financial strain has further hindered their ability to afford their children’s education, a fundamental right.
Despite always adhering to the regulations set by the Geology and Mining Department, quarry holders have not been permitted to carry out their work since June 2019. This restriction has not only affected the quarry holders but also about 70 stone crusher units that have been operational in the Wuyan area for the last five decades. These units represent significant investments and play a vital role in the state’s infrastructure development while providing employment to a large number of people.
Ab. Rahim Khanday, President of the Quarry Association Wuyan (Regd. No: 1163), and Farooq Ahmad Wani, Sarpanch of Wuyan, have been at the forefront of advocating for the rights of the quarry workers. They recently engaged in a conversation with Dr. Bilal Ahmad Bhat, a Malaysian-returned entrepreneur, social and political activist, along with several digital media outlets, to raise awareness about their plight.
Dr. Bhat has appealed to Sh. Manoj Sinha Ji, the Honorable Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, to address this pressing issue on humanitarian grounds. The community hopes that the government will take swift action to restore their livelihood and ensure the welfare of the people in the affected areas.
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