Srinagar, Sept. 24 -- Srinagar- The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Thursday said mineral extraction in the Union Territory was being regulated to balance environmental protection with the availability of construction material for development and infrastructure projects.

The government said this in a written reply to the Legislative Assembly in response to a question raised by MLA Irfan Hafiz Lone on measures being taken to address environmental concerns linked to mining activities while ensuring adequate availability of construction material.

According to the reply, mineral extraction in Jammu and Kashmir is regulated under the Jammu and Kashmir Minor Mineral Concession, Storage, Transportation and Prevention of Illegal Mining Rules, 2...