Javid Hassan Baig says restrictions aimed at curbing illegal extraction must not disrupt legitimate construction works; calls for mechanism to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential materials
Inayat Qayoom
Baramulla, August 12:
Baramulla MLA Javid Hassan Baig has urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to urgently intervene in the reported shortage and restricted availability of stone, sand and other construction material, warning that the situation could delay major developmental projects in the district.
Speaking to reporters, Baig appealed to the LG, Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla and SSP Baramulla to review the situation and ensure that sanctioned development works are not adversely affected by restrictions imposed to curb illegal extraction of natural resources.
“People of Jammu and Kashmir expect development. We have never seen developmental projects of such a large scale before,” Baig said, questioning how projects sanctioned under various heads could be completed if the basic construction material required for their execution remained unavailable.
“In curbing the illegal, the legal ones too are suffering like anything. How are these projects going to be completed? From where should we get the construction material?” he asked.
The MLA acknowledged the authorities’ responsibility to prevent the misuse and unregulated exploitation of natural resources, in accordance with legal and judicial directions, but stressed that legitimate requirements for government and private development works should not be treated at par with illegal extraction.
“Stopping misuse and abuse is our responsibility, but if genuine use is also hit, how can the works happen? How will the projects be completed?” Baig said.
He called for a practical regulatory mechanism that could effectively prevent illegal mining and extraction while ensuring a regulated and uninterrupted supply of construction material for legitimate developmental works.
Baig said continued non-availability of essential material could lead to delays in sanctioned projects and ultimately affect public confidence in the pace of development.
“Government has to find ways for development and resolve the issues,” he said, urging the administration to address the matter at the earliest and ensure that ongoing and sanctioned projects in Baramulla do not suffer further due to shortage of construction material.