JAMMU, Jun 4: Senior mining contractor Zorawar Singh has appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to personally intervene in the long-pending issue of eight mining blocks in the Jammu region, alleging that contractors have suffered heavy financial losses due to administrative delays despite fulfilling all mandatory requirements.
Addressing the issue, Singh stated that contractors had deposited 50 percent of the allotted contract amount for mining blocks located across different parts of Jammu province. However, the projects have remained stalled for nearly three years, causing severe financial hardship to those involved.
He said that the Geology and Mining Department itself took nearly one and a half years to prepare and submit the District Survey Report (DSR), a delay for which the contractors were not responsible. Following the completion of the DSR process, the cases have reportedly remained pending for another 18 months awaiting administrative approval.
Singh expressed concern over the prolonged delay, stating that approvals which ordinarily take only a few days have remained stuck despite repeated representations and follow-ups by the affected contractors.
“Delay breeds corruption. We have been running from pillar to post for the last several years, but no concrete decision has emerged. The government is also losing substantial revenue due to the continued non-operational status of these mining blocks,” Singh said.
According to available information, the files related to the eight mining blocks are presently pending with Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary for final approval. Contractors argue that all legal formalities have been completed and there is no justification for the continued delay.
Singh further revealed that the affected contractors had approached the Jammu and Kashmir High Court seeking relief after exhausting all administrative channels. He claimed that the High Court passed orders in their favour, yet the directions have allegedly not been implemented on the ground.
He said that even contempt proceedings were initiated against officials of the Geology and Mining Department for non-compliance with the court’s directions, but despite this, the matter remains unresolved. “When even court orders fail to secure implementation, serious questions arise regarding accountability within the system. Is the Geology and Mining Department above the law?” Singh questioned.
The senior contractor maintained that the prolonged delay has not only caused immense financial losses to stakeholders but has also deprived the government exchequer of substantial revenue and affected employment opportunities linked to mining activities in the region.
Singh urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to review the matter personally and ensure immediate disposal of the pending files in the interest of justice, public revenue, and transparent governance. He warned that continued inaction could further fuel public resentment and provide ammunition to opposition parties questioning the government’s commitment to efficient administration.
The affected stakeholders have requested the government to expedite the approval process and bring the long-pending projects into operation without further delay.