The ban on stone quarrying in SK Bala Village in Bandipora District has left hundreds of families in distress as their livelihoods is directly or indirectly tied to this profession.
Local residents are now appealing to the Lieutenant Governor (LG) to intervene and find a solution to their ongoing predicament.
For generations, stone quarrying has been the primary source of income for numerous families in SK Bala Village, providing them with a means to sustain their households.
However, recent environmental concerns and regulatory changes have led to the imposition of a ban on this age-old practice, leaving these families in a state of uncertainty.
The ban on stone quarrying has affected both quarry owners and the laborers who depend on it for their wages.
Many of these families are now struggling to make ends meet, facing the risk of losing their homes and livelihoods.
Local resident Asif Ali Ganie whose family has been in the stone quarrying business for over three generations, expressed his concerns, saying, “This ban has hit us hard. It’s not just about our income; it’s about the future of our children.
“We urge the LG to consider our plea and find a balanced solution that respects the environment and our way of life.” They said .
The ban has also raised concerns about the economic impact on the entire village, as the stone quarrying industry was a significant contributor to the local economy.
It supported ancillary businesses such as transportation, construction, and even schools that were funded by quarry operators.
Local residents are now seeking an audience with the LG to present their case and explore possible alternatives to the ban.
They are hopeful that a dialogue with the authorities can lead to a compromise that takes into account both environmental concerns and the well-being of the families affected.
It remains to be seen how the authorities will respond to the plea of the locals in SK Bala Village.
In the meantime, the ban on stone quarrying continues to cast a shadow of uncertainty over the lives of hundreds of families, who are anxiously awaiting a resolution that can provide relief and support for their way of life.
They have sought attention of LG Manoj Sinha in this regard.
