Pathania alleges irregularities in Mining Department

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 13: Ranbir Singh Pathania, MLA from Udhampur East today accused authorities in Jammu and Kashmir of shielding an organised mining network through questionable environmental clearances and selective enforcement.
The MLA also raised serious allegations of corruption and conflict of interest during a heated session of the Legislative Assembly.
Raising his starred question in the House, Pathania claimed that the current system of granting environmental clearances has effectively become a protective cover for influential mining operators, while smaller and local units are being forced to shut down under regulatory pressure.
He informed the Assembly that several stone crusher units remain closed, whereas a group of allegedly favoured operators continues to function in violation of norms, creating what he described as a biased regulatory framework.
The MLA further alleged that the concept of sustainable mining has been compromised by a well-entrenched mining syndicate operating with the support of officials and regulatory agencies.
Describing illegal mining as a “parallel extractive economy,” Pathania called for the strict implementation of 20 special courts notified under S.O. 302, designated under Section 30-B of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, to ensure speedy trials and reduce prolonged litigation in such cases.
In a sharp attack, Pathania also alleged a conflict of interest involving the Deputy Chief Minister, who holds the mining portfolio.
He claimed that close family members of the minister are engaged in mining activities and involved in large-scale illegal extraction.
Questioning the functioning of the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee, Pathania said that the reported closure of 158 stone crusher units reflects selective action rather than a consistent crackdown on illegal mining.
He accused the body of failing to curb unscientific riverbed mining, which he said is causing ecological damage to the Doodh Ganga and Shali Ganga rivers.
Pathania demanded that the pollution control authorities utilise their enhanced legal powers to impose heavy environmental compensation on violators, including officials allegedly involved, instead of targeting only small operators and workers.
“Public office demands the highest standards of probity,” Pathania asserted, calling for an independent and impartial inquiry into the alleged involvement of senior officials in illegal mining operations.
“Without strict action against influential individuals and a transparent investigation, efforts to regulate mining and protect the environment in the Union Territory would remain ineffective,” he maintained.

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