Shopian: In a landmark decision aimed at safeguarding the environment and supporting local livelihoods, the District Magistrate of Shopian, Mohammad Shahid Saleem, has imposed a complete ban on the use of heavy machinery such as JCBs and hydraulic excavators for mining activities in the Rambaira Nallah and Sasra Nallah blocks.
An official told Ziraat Times that the order strictly adheres to Item 53 of the environmental clearance guidelines issued by the J&K Environment Impact Assessment Authority, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. This provision mandates that mining in minor and major blocks must be conducted manually, with only minimal support from semi-mechanized tools, prioritizing employment for the local workforce.
The directive comes in response to reports from local media, including Ziraat Times, environmentalists, and civil society groups like Environmental Policy Group (EPG) highlighting the misuse of heavy machinery by leaseholders in violation of the lease conditions. Such mechanized extraction methods have sparked growing concerns over environmental degradation and the displacement of local laborers who rely on mining activities for their livelihoods.
The ban is expected to provide a much-needed respite for the region’s fragile ecosystems, particularly the riverbeds, which have suffered due to excessive mechanized mining. Environmentalists have hailed the step as a “bold and necessary intervention”, emphasizing the need to protect the rivers and ensure sustainable resource extraction.
Additionally, the order calls upon the Rural Development Department to provide a list of MGNREGA job card holders to the leaseholders for engagement in mining work.
A model for other districts
Environmentalists and activists have applauded the Shopian administration for taking a firm stance against harmful mining practices. “This order sets a strong precedent for other districts in Jammu & Kashmir. It is a timely intervention to prevent further environmental damage while ensuring that local communities benefit from resource extraction,” said Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat, prominent RTI and environmental activist.
The violation of the directive will lead to the cancellation of mining leases and heavy penalties for the leaseholders, the order warns, Shopian official order says.
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