Last Updated on April 18, 2022 at 1:24 pm
Many cement units are dying a slow death in Jammu as from past eight months they are not getting regular supply of raw materials from Kashmir mines. Nearly 28 cement units, including 14 in Kathua district and seven in district Samba are facing closure threat.
Lackadaisical approach of government has led to disrupted supply of raw material such as limestone from Kashmir mines since past eight months. These units are dependent on the supply of raw material from private mines in Kashmir, specifically from Anantnag district. New rules and strict measures have resulted in irregular supplies, reportedly.
Again the eyebrows have been raised on such imposing strict measures for Jammu region which is causing them to face closure of their units. While few units taking raw materials from other states are not able to survive due to costly material and their production cost has increased. Moreover, many workers and staff have been lost their jobs as cement units owners are not able to give them salaries.
Ajeet Bawa, president Industries Association Kathua told Excelsior that the Industry in Jammu already faced huge crisis during Covid-19 lockdowns and now with the sudden suspension of raw material/ lime stone supply from south Kashmir, over 90% of the cement units in Jammu region have been closed. Bawa further said they called on the then Director Industries Jammu, Principal Secretary Industries and Commerce, Ranjan Parkash and MK Dwivedi the then incharge Pr Secy Geology and Mining but no solution was taken out.
Vijay Aggarwal, president Industries Association Samba said that officers in LG’s Administration are unable to resolve the issues and provide uninterrupted supply of raw material to the local Cement units in Jammu region.
Director, Geology and Mining, J&K, OP Bhagat said that as per new rules, all the existing old private mines operators have to take environment clearance as per NGT norms and also get the mining plan approved from the competent authority which is a lengthy process and further added that when they will complete the formalities, they can operate and sell the lime stone.
