For nearly a century and a half, the resilient communities of Wuyan, Khonmoh, Shar-I-Shali, Ladhoo, Mandekpal, and neighboring areas in Tehsil Pampore have relied on stone quarries and crushing units as their lifeblood. Passed down through generations, this ancient trade has not only shaped local economies but also provided essential materials for infrastructure projects like road pavements and constructions, known famously for producing Wuyan metal (WBM, WMM).
However, recent years have seen unprecedented challenges for the quarry workers and crusher operators. Government restrictions have stifled their operations, plunging families into economic turmoil. Loans taken to sustain businesses have soured into financial burdens, exacerbating the plight of these hardworking communities.
The repercussions are far-reaching. Education, once a beacon of hope for their children, now hangs in the balance as families struggle to meet basic needs. Despite strict compliance with regulations from the Geology and Mining Department, the abrupt halt of short-term permits in June 2019 has left families and their future in uncertainty.
The impact extends to the approximately 70 stone crusher units in Wuyan, which have been pillars of employment and infrastructure development for decades. These units, vital to the state’s growth, face an uncertain future.
In response, Dr. Bilal Ahmad Bhat, a Malaysian-return entrepreneur and respected social activist, has stepped forward. Joined by Ab. Rahim Khanday, President of the Quarry Association Wuyan (Regd. No: 1163), and Farooq Ahmad Wani, Sarpanch of Wuyan, Dr. Bhat has rallied support. Media outlets have taken notice, amplifying their urgent appeal to Sh. Manoj Sinha, the Honorable Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, for intervention. Their plea: to safeguard livelihoods and ensure a stable future for these communities.
As their memorandum reaches the desks of decision-makers, hope lingers. Advocates like Dr. Bhat continue to champion the cause, striving to restore operations and secure the prosperity of Pampore’s resilient stone quarry workers.
