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NGT Cracks Down on 13 Illegal Stone Crushers in Punjab's Rupnagar

The National Green Tribunal has directed strict action against 13 stone crushers in Punjab's Rupnagar district for illegal mining and environmental violations. The Punjab Pollution Control Board reported that these units were operating illegally in forest areas, with several facing heavy environmental compensation and closure orders. Penalties include staggering amounts, such as over Rs 85 crore against Ganga Stone Crusher and Rs 11.31 crore against Sat Sahib Stone Crusher. The NGT has given the PPCB three months to ensure compliance, recover dues, and submit an action-taken report.

Key Points: NGT Orders Action Against Illegal Mining in Punjab's Rupnagar

  • NGT orders strict compliance
  • 13 crushers violate environmental norms
  • Heavy penalties up to Rs 85 crore imposed
  • Closure orders and criminal cases filed
2 min read

NGT orders strict action against 13 stone crushers in Punjab's Rupnagar over illegal mining, pollution violations

NGT directs strict action against 13 stone crushers for illegal mining and pollution violations in Punjab's Rupnagar district. Heavy penalties imposed.

"action has been initiated against 13 stone crushers found violating environmental norms - Punjab Pollution Control Board"

Chandigarh, February 23

The National Green Tribunal has taken serious note of illegal mining and environmental violations in the Shivalik Hills and directed strict action against 13 stone crushers operating in Rupnagar district of Punjab.

According to a report submitted by the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), mining activities were being carried out illegally in forest and mountainous areas, and several stone crushers were found operating in violation of environmental norms in the district.

The PPCB informed the tribunal that action has been initiated against 13 stone crushers found violating environmental norms and indulging in illegal mining.

Among the units under scrutiny are Sat Sahib Stone Crusher and Screening Plant at Village Haripur, Sri Anandpur Sahib, and Sai Stone Crusher at Village Swara, Sri Anandpur Sahib. Both are reportedly linked to Baljinder Singh alias Aman, son of Surinder Singh, a resident of New Chandigarh in SAS Nagar district. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also attached various properties of Baljinder Singh, and around 10 criminal cases are stated to have already been registered against him.

The Pollution Department has imposed environmental compensation of Rs 7.25 lakh on Sidhi Vinayak Stone Crusher, leased by Jeewan Kumar of Village Haripur in Rupnagar district.

As per the PPCB report, environmental compensation ranging from Rs 37,500 to Rs 54.75 lakh has been imposed on various units. Closure directions have been issued against multiple crushers, DG sets have been sealed in certain cases, and criminal complaints have been filed against the violators.

The Board further reported that heavy penalties have been imposed and recovery proceedings initiated against the defaulting units. Notably, penalties include over Rs 11.31 crore against Sat Sahib Stone Crusher and Screening Plant, Rs 85.51 crore against Ganga Stone Crusher, and Rs 24.57 crore against Adesh Stone Crusher, among others.

After reviewing the report, the NGT directed the PPCB to ensure strict compliance with closure orders, recover the remaining environmental compensation from the units, and complete the entire exercise within three months. The tribunal has also sought an action-taken report within the stipulated period.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
This is a welcome step. But it's sad that it takes tribunal orders for the local authorities to act. Where was the monitoring all this time? The article mentions one person linked to multiple units with criminal cases... speaks volumes about the nexus.
A
Aman W
Rs 85 crore penalty on Ganga Stone Crusher! That's mind-boggling. Imagine the scale of violation to warrant such a fine. Hope this sets an example. Development shouldn't come at the cost of our mountains and forests.
S
Sarah B
While the action is good, I hope the workers in these units aren't left high and dry. Many are just daily wage laborers. The government must ensure strict action against the owners, but also some rehabilitation plan for the affected workers.
V
Vikram M
The ED attaching properties is the key detail. Hit them where it hurts. Illegal mining is a cash-rich business. Only seizing assets and heavy penalties can be a deterrent. Three-month deadline from NGT is good, hope PPCB doesn't ask for extensions.
K
Kriti O
As someone from the region, the dust and noise from these crushers was unbearable. Our children were facing breathing issues. Thank you NGT for listening. Hope the closure orders are permanent and these units don't restart operations after a few months quietly.

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