Preparing District Survey Reports and Replenishment Studies for minor minerals is not merely a bureaucratic formality but a critical prerequisite for sustainable mining and environmental conservation. However, the recent developments in Jammu and Kashmir’s Geology and Mining Department have raised concerns about the seriousness and efficiency of this vital exercise. What began as a structured effort through a proper tendering process last year has now been abruptly abandoned, casting a shadow over the department’s decision-making and governance practices. After overcoming initial hurdles, a consultancy firm was eventually engaged for the task. Yet, the sudden cancellation of the agreement with this firm has not only delayed the process but also raised eyebrows in official circles. The justification provided-that the firm’s work was unsatisfactory-fails to address deeper concerns.
District Survey Reports play a crucial role in identifying potential mining areas, assessing river sand and silt reserves, and ensuring that mining activities align with environmental sustainability. These reports are indispensable for obtaining environmental clearances and regulating mining leases. Delays in their preparation could have cascading effects, from impeding legal mining operations to encouraging unauthorised extraction, thereby harming both the economy and the environment. Moreover, replenishment studies are essential to maintaining ecological balance. Without them, unchecked extraction can lead to irreversible damage to river systems, disrupting ecosystems and local livelihoods. These studies also guide sustainable mining practices by recommending rotational block mining to allow natural replenishment of resources. The absence of such oversight could prove disastrous in the long run.
The department’s assurance that its internal experts will now handle the task does little to inspire confidence, especially given the initial reliance on external consultancy. This mismanagement could delay the submission of critical data to the Environmental Impact Assessment Authority, further stalling mining operations and their associated economic benefits. The Geology and Mining Department must urgently streamline its approach to this exercise. Failing this, the ecological and economic costs could outweigh any short-term gains, leaving a legacy of mismanagement that the Union Territory can ill afford.
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