KHYBER: Adviser to chief minister on communications and works Suhail Afridi has said ban on stone crushing units in Bara would be lifted soon after resolving the issue of use of explosives in mining.

Speaking to delegations of elders and local government representatives in Bara on Tuesday, he said the security agencies had banned the use of explosives in all types of mining soon after the start of military operation in the area in September 2009.

He said the provincial government had taken up the issue with the security officials in order to lift the ban on stone crushing units. Mr Afridi said he was aware of the losses the owners of the stone crushing units had incurred and the number of people rendered jobless due to their closure.

The chief minister’s aide also assured the delegations that separate committees of elders and other stakeholders would be formed to hold meetings with the irrigation department officials to devise a mechanism for equal and judicious distribution of irrigation water in Shalobar and other areas. He said these bodies would effectively stop illegal breaches in the irrigation channels.

He said efforts were afoot to legalise the cultivation of cannabis in Bara and Tirah valley in order to provide farmers a source of earning alongside promoting modern farming.

Published in Dawn, November 6th, 2024