CHANDIGARH: In an effort to address violations of environmental regulations by stone crushers in the vulnerable Shivalik Hills, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has instructed the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) to enforce compliance and recover compensation from polluting units in Ropar district.
The bench, led by Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Dr. A Senthil Vel, delivered these orders while concluding a case regarding illegal mining activities in the Beet area of Garhshankar sub-division, where mining was conducted unchecked.
According to a report from the PPCB, 13 stone crushers were identified as operating in breach of regulations and involved in illegal mining. The tribunal was informed that punitive measures, including environmental compensation, had been enacted against all 13 units. These actions involved closing operations under Section 33A of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and Section 31A of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. Additionally, criminal complaints were filed against the culprits under the Water Act.
Recognizing the actions taken, the tribunal mandated that the PPCB ensure adherence to closure orders and recover outstanding environmental compensation from the violators. Noting the presence of other stone crushers in the region, the tribunal further directed inspections of these units to confirm their compliance with operating permissions.
‘Verify source of raw materials’
The tribunal requested the board to investigate the raw material sources for these stone crushers, specifically about the Punjab Regulation of Crusher Units, Stockists and Retailers Act, 2025, as well as the Punjab State Minor Mineral (Amendment) Policy and Rules, 2025. Action must be taken against any remaining units that violate these regulations.
The tribunal set a three-month deadline for the PPCB to complete this task and submit an action report to the registrar general.
