Srinagar, Jan. 9 -- Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi on Friday said that the Union Ministry of Mines has formally written to the Jammu and Kashmir Government following Member of Parliament Er Rashid's demand that sand and gravel extraction from local nallahs be regulated in a manner that safeguards the rights and livelihoods of local residents.

Quoting the Ministry's communication, Inam Un Nabi said the Centre has clarified that sand and gravel fall under the category of minor minerals as defined under Section 3(e) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. The Ministry has stated that under Section 15 of the Act, it is the State Government that is empowered to frame rules for regulating qu...