SRINAGAR, Sept. 30 -- The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Tuesday informed the Legislative Assembly that exemptions from environmental clearance for manual customary extraction of sand, silt and clay have been withdrawn in compliance with Supreme Court judgments and directions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

Replying to a Calling Attention Motion moved by MLA Sheikh Ahsan Pardesi, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary said the government had omitted provisions contained in S.O. 599 of 2022 through S.O. 119 of 2026 dated April 22, 2026.

The earlier provisions had exempted local Hanjis, Khanias, muleteers and others engaged in manual customary extraction of sand, silt and clay from obtaining environmental clearance.

The de...