The Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (HPSPCB) has ordered the immediate closure of 12 stone crushers operating in the Kangra and Mandi districts of the state. The board has also directed electricity authorities to disconnect power supply to these units, marking an escalation in the crackdown against operations allegedly violating environmental regulations.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the directive encompasses 10 stone crushers situated in Kangra district and two within Mandi district. Furthermore, the board has explicitly prohibited these units from utilizing diesel generators or any alternative power sources post-disconnection, effectively closing off any avenues for continued operation bypassing the closure order. Reports suggest that individual units in Dehra, Fatehpur, and Jaisinghpur, along with two units in Nurpur, have been issued cessation of operation notices. In Mandi district, the closure orders pertain to one crusher each in Karsog and Chachyot. The Executive Engineers of the concerned electricity divisions have been formally instructed to implement the power disconnections and ensure strict adherence to the closure orders.
This decisive action has been initiated under the provisions of Section 33-A of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and Section 31-A of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. These legislative clauses grant significant authority to pollution control bodies, empowering them to issue binding directives that include the closure of industrial facilities and the severance of essential utility supplies, such as electricity and water, in cases of non-compliance with environmental protection laws.
Previously, the HPSPCB had taken similar punitive measures against 13 stone crushers located in Solan and Kangra districts. The recent orders targeting an additional 12 units underscore an expanding enforcement campaign, with a particular focus on Kangra, a region where the activities of stone crushers and associated mining operations have long been identified as significant environmental concerns demanding robust regulatory intervention.
Rahul Sharma, the Regional Officer of the Pollution Control Board stationed in Dharamsala, stated that the units identified for closure had been served with two prior notices, offering 15 and then seven-day periods for compliance, but these notices were not adequately addressed within the stipulated timelines. Following the lack of response, the regional office forwarded its recommendation for power disconnection to the State Pollution Control Board for further action. Mr. Sharma elaborated that the non-compliant units had failed to renew their permanent registrations, and additionally, some of these facilities were found to be inadequately equipped with essential pollution control devices, thereby exacerbating their environmental impact and contravening established norms.
The enforcement action by the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board targets multiple stone crushers for operating without the requisite permissions or in contravention of established environmental norms. The board’s directives are aimed at curbing pollution and ensuring sustainable practices within the state’s industrial sector, particularly in areas prone to mining and quarrying activities.
The authorities are intensifying their scrutiny of industrial operations that impact air and water quality. The closure orders are a direct consequence of repeated violations and the failure of the implicated units to rectify their environmental compliance issues despite being given multiple opportunities to do so. The board’s stance signals a firm commitment to upholding environmental standards and protecting the natural resources of Himachal Pradesh from detrimental industrial practices.
The ongoing drive by the pollution control board reflects a broader national emphasis on environmental governance and the implementation of stringent regulations for industries. Stone crushers, by their nature, are significant sources of dust pollution and can impact water bodies if not managed responsibly. The actions taken in Kangra and Mandi are consistent with these broader environmental protection goals.
The compliance with environmental regulations is crucial for the sustainable development of regions like Himachal Pradesh, which rely heavily on their natural beauty and ecological integrity for tourism and local livelihoods. The board’s decision to disconnect power supply ensures that the closure is effective and prevents any ad-hoc resumption of activities, which could further damage the environment. The involvement of electricity authorities underscores the coordinated approach being adopted to enforce environmental laws.
The affected stone crusher units have been operating in areas where mining and quarrying activities are prevalent. The environmental impact assessment and compliance monitoring of such units are critical to mitigate the negative consequences on local ecosystems and public health. The board’s proactive measures are expected to bring about improved environmental conditions in the affected districts.
The regulatory framework in India provides for stringent penalties and closure orders for industries that fail to adhere to environmental protection acts. The HPSPCB’s actions align with these legal provisions, aiming to create a deterrent effect and promote responsible industrial behaviour across the state. The continuous monitoring and enforcement are key to ensuring the long-term effectiveness of these environmental measures.
The Chenab Times News Desk
