The ban on stone quarrying in SK Bala area of Bandipora district has left numerous families who rely on this trade for their livelihoods in a state of distress.
For generations, stone quarrying has been the primary source of income for scores of families in SK Bala Village, providing them with the means to support their households.
However, recent environmental concerns and regulatory adjustments have resulted in a ban on this long-standing practice, leaving these families in a state of uncertainty.
This ban has had repercussions for both quarry owners and the laborers who depend on it for their income.
Many of these families are currently grappling with financial challenges, facing the risk of losing their homes and livelihoods.
Local resident Asif Ali Ganie, whose family has been engaged in stone quarrying for over three generations, voiced his concerns, stating, “This ban has had a severe impact on us. It goes beyond our income; it affects the future of our children. We implore the LG to consider our plea and seek a balanced solution that respects the environment and our way of life.”
The ban has also raised concerns about the economic impact on the entire village, as the stone quarrying industry played a significant role in supporting the local economy.
It had a ripple effect on ancillary businesses, such as transportation, construction, and even schools funded by quarry operators.
Local residents are now requesting an audience with the LG to present their case and explore potential alternatives to the ban.
They are hopeful that a constructive dialogue with the authorities can lead to a compromise that takes into account both environmental considerations and the well-being of the affected families.
The response of the authorities to the pleas of the SK Bala Village residents remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, the ban on stone quarrying continues to cast a cloud of uncertainty over the lives of scores of families, who anxiously await a resolution that can offer relief and support for their way of life.
They have sought the attention of LG Manoj Sinha in this matter.