Miners protest ban on quarrying at Bhairava Cave in Beerwah

BUDGAM — Miners in Beerwah took to the streets to protest the district administration Budgam’s decision to ban quarrying at Bhairava Cave.

The quarry-holders, while speaking to the news agency KNT, said that approximately 80% of Beerwah’s population relies on quarrying for their livelihood.

“We have been doing stone-mining without any issues, but things changed in 2022 when a group of devotees from ‘Samyamindra Thirtha’ visited Abhinav Cave, urging authorities to develop it as a tourist spot,” they said.

They also sought the intervention from local MLA, the government and the Member Parliament.

The district administration, however, remains firm on its decision, warning that vehicles involved in illegal quarrying will be seized and strict action shall follow against violators in coordination with District Police and Revenue authorities.