ibn sultan
Baramulla: Senior PDP leader Mohd Rafique Rather has demanded immediate restoration of stone quarry operations at Khanpora, Drangbal, and Veervan, Baramulla stressing that thousands of families are facing starvation and severe hardship due to the continued closure of these quarry units.
Rafique Rather, in a press statement, expressed deep concern over the miserable condition of the labour class associated with the quarry sector, stating that a vast majority of families in these areas depend entirely on quarry-related work for their daily survival. The prolonged shutdown has left daily wagers and labourers without employment, pushing them into extreme financial distress and making it difficult for them to even provide basic necessities for their families.
He highlighted that the crisis has severely impacted not only labourers but also small transporters and tipper owners whose livelihood is directly linked with quarry operations. Many vehicle owners, he said, are struggling to pay monthly loan installments, risking defaults and financial collapse. The shutdown has therefore triggered a chain reaction affecting hundreds of households dependent on this sector.
PDP Leader further noted that the closure of stone quarries has caused an abnormal rise in the prices of stone and other essential construction materials. The soaring costs have made it extremely difficult for poor and middle-class families to construct their homes, turning the dream of building a house into an unaffordable burden for many.
Rafique Rather also said that while legitimate quarry operations remain closed, large-scale stone extraction from road widening works between Baramulla and Uri continues unabated. He alleged that extracted stone is being sold in the market at exorbitant prices and those involved in this exploitation and loot of natural resources must be booked under law. He stated that hundreds of tippers are being loaded daily from these sites and high-capacity machinery is being used recklessly, causing serious environmental damage and unregulated exploitation of resources.
Appealing for urgent intervention, Rather urged the State government in particular Hon’ble LG to take a humanitarian and balanced view of the situation and ensure the early resumption of lawful and regulated quarry operations while maintaining environmental safeguards. He emphasized that livelihood and environmental protection must go hand in hand and that a sustainable solution is both necessary and achievable.
Rather also called upon all stakeholders, including local residents, contractors, transporters, and concerned departments, to cooperate fully with the administration to facilitate a fair and lasting resolution that protects both the environment and the survival of thousands of working-class families.
“The dignity and survival of the labouring class must remain our foremost priority,” PDP Leader said.
