In a decisive move against environmental violations, the Coimbatore district administration has shut down a private illegal quarry crusher unit operating in the Thalakkarai area near Pollachi. The action came after authorities uncovered a series of serious regulatory breaches at the site.
Operation and Violations Uncovered
The private company in question was found to be running a licensed crusher unit with multiple violations. More alarmingly, it was also operating an additional, completely illegal crusher and an unauthorized quarry within the same premises. To power these illegal operations, the unit resorted to using diesel generators, further exacerbating its environmental footprint.
Legal Action and Closure Order
The crackdown was initiated based on a case filed against Reshma Quarry at the National Green Tribunal (NGT). Following the legal proceedings, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) took the first step by disconnecting the power supply to the crusher unit. The district collector later approved the formal closure of the facility based on recommendations presented before a coordination committee.
Finally, on December 13, the entire site was officially locked and sealed by the authorities, putting a complete stop to its activities.
TNPCB Report and Unpaid Penalty
In a detailed report presented before the NGT's south zone on October 27, the TNPCB had catalogued a long list of violations committed by the unit. The report also highlighted a significant financial penalty. A fine of Rs 4,70,000 had been imposed on the unit, which it had failed to pay. This non-payment of penalty underscored the operator's disregard for regulatory norms.
This enforcement action sends a strong message to other industrial units operating in the region, emphasizing that violations of environmental laws and unauthorized expansions will not be tolerated by the district administration and pollution control authorities.
