Despite HC ban, crusher operators using excavators

hamirpur, February 4

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Despite prohibition orders by the state High Court on the use of excavators in water bodies, including rivers and streams, for the excavation of stone, concrete and sand, many crushers in the district are still using the prohibited machinery in the water bodies.

It is learnt that most of the crusher operators in the district are using excavators to reduce the labour cost for picking the crushing material from the riverbed. Besides, mining is not allowed more than one meter deep, but crusher operators are digging riverbeds deeper than the prescribed limit, resulting in the drying of drinking water sources as well.

Sources revealed that the heavy machinery was put into action by crusher operators at night, giving sleepless nights to villagers living near rivers and streams due to noise pollution caused by the excavators.

The most affected water bodies included the Beas near Kohla village, Maseh Khud, Kunah Khud, Man Khud, Pung Khud and Sukar Khud.

It is also learnt that some of the crushers being run in the district do not even have got the permission to run these crushers and had been challaned (fined) for violating the Mining Act.

Rajeev Kalia, District Mining Officer, said three crushers had been challaned for operating in violation of the Mining Aact. He said they had failed to obtain the permanent registration certificate and in the absence of which they would not be allowed to run the crusher. He said he had received complaints of excavators being used in the streams and would soon investigate the matter. — OC