NGT Cracks Down on Stone Crushers in Yamunanagar for Environmental Lapses
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a stern rebuke to stone crushing units in Haryana's Yamunanagar district following a damning joint committee report that exposed extensive violations of environmental regulations. The tribunal, hearing the case on February 19, highlighted the alarming scale of non-compliance, which has contributed to persistent dust pollution in the region long associated with stone crushing clusters.
Widespread Operational Failures and Inspections
Out of 217 stone crusher units in Yamunanagar, only 127 were operational, with 40 dismantled and 50 closed. A detailed verification of 51 units conducted in December 2025 and January 2026 revealed that all were non-operational during inspections. Specifically, 11 units were closed by the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) due to prior non-compliances, while the remaining 40 failed to provide any information on their operational status to the Board.
Key Environmental Violations Identified
The committee's scrutiny uncovered multiple critical lapses:
- Dust suppression failures: Many units had non-functional or inadequate sprinkler systems. For instance, one report noted a unit with only 15 sprinklers and 54 nozzles, of which 6 were not working, far short of the requirement for at least 50 sprinklers and a 10 KLD water storage facility as per the September 2, 2025 notification.
- Lack of dust control measures: Units failed to maintain dust collectors and left conveyor belts uncovered, exacerbating air pollution.
- Poor housekeeping norms: Basic cleanliness and maintenance standards were not followed.
- Plantation non-compliance: None of the units secured mandatory approval for two-row avenue plantation from the District Forest Officer (DFO) of Yamunanagar, as required under the same 2025 notification.
Regulatory Actions and Tribunal Concerns
The HSPCB initiated regulatory action by issuing multiple show cause notices. In several cases, notices sent by post were returned undelivered and had to be served in person. While some units submitted replies claiming compliance, the tribunal emphasized that these responses "require re-verification." In one instance where no reply was filed, a speaking order was passed on February 13, 2026, to initiate closure proceedings.
The NGT expressed deep concern over the units' failure to meet basic environmental requirements, particularly dust suppression and plantation mandates. The order underscored the need for stricter enforcement to mitigate the environmental impact of these industrial operations in Yamunanagar.
