NGT Takes Strong Action Against Illegal Stone Crushers in Punjab's Fragile Shivalik Region
In a significant move to protect the environmentally sensitive Shivalik Hills, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued strict directives to the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) to clamp down on stone crushers operating in violation of pollution norms. The tribunal's bench, comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Dr. A. Senthil Vel, passed these orders while disposing of a case concerning illegal mining activities in the Beet area of Garhshankar sub-division within Ropar district.
Widespread Violations Uncovered in PPCB Report
Based on a detailed report submitted by the PPCB, the tribunal discovered that 13 stone crusher units were operating in blatant violation of environmental regulations and were allegedly engaged in illegal mining operations. The pollution control board informed the NGT that comprehensive action had already been initiated against all these violators.
The enforcement measures implemented by the PPCB included:
- Imposition of environmental compensation on the erring units
- Issuance of closure directions under Section 33A of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
- Closure orders under Section 31A of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
- Filing of criminal complaints against the stone crushers and responsible individuals under provisions of the Water Act
NGT's Comprehensive Directives for Environmental Protection
Taking cognizance of the actions already taken, the green tribunal directed the PPCB to ensure strict compliance with the closure orders and to expedite the recovery of remaining environmental compensation from the violators. The tribunal further observed that additional stone crushers were operating in the area and instructed the pollution control board to conduct thorough inspections of all remaining units to verify their compliance with consent-to-operate conditions.
Verification of Raw Material Sources Mandated
In a crucial additional directive, the NGT asked the PPCB to verify the source of raw materials used by these stone crushers. This verification must specifically reference:
- The Punjab Regulation of Crusher Units, and Stockists and Retailers Act, 2025
- The Punjab State Minor Mineral (Amendment) Policy, 2025
- The Punjab Regulation of Crusher Units, and Stockists and Retailers Rules, 2025
The tribunal emphasized that the board must take appropriate action against any remaining stone crusher units found operating in violation of established norms and regulations.
Strict Timeline for Compliance and Reporting
The National Green Tribunal has set a stringent three-month deadline for the Punjab Pollution Control Board to complete this comprehensive exercise. Following this period, the board must submit a detailed action-taken report before the registrar general of the tribunal, ensuring transparency and accountability in the enforcement process.
This decisive action by the NGT represents a significant step toward protecting the fragile ecosystem of the Shivalik Hills from the damaging effects of unregulated mining and industrial activities. The tribunal's intervention underscores the growing importance of environmental conservation in industrial operations, particularly in ecologically sensitive regions like the Shivalik range that spans across northern India.
