Relief to 64 stone crushers in Yamunanagar post SC stay

The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has decided not to shut down 64 stone crushers in Yamunanagar district that were issued closure notices last December. This follows a recent Supreme Court stay granted to one of the stone crusher owners against the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s dismissal of related petitions.

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The closure notices were issued after the high court dismissed 27 writ petitions filed by stone crusher owners on November 29, 2024, challenging the Haryana Government’s notification from May 11, 2016. The notification established siting parameters, including a 1-km distance from the nearest village phirni (periphery) or Lal Dora and a 0.5-km distance from land classified as forest in government records.

These crushers allegedly failed to meet the required parameters. The HSPCB had directed the owners to submit detailed reports confirming compliance with siting and environmental norms.

“Now, the HSPCB will not close the operation of these stone crushers as the Supreme Court has granted a stay on the high court's order,” said Virender Singh Punia, Regional Officer, HSPCB, Yamunanagar.

He said, “The HSPCB will conduct inspections to ensure compliance with siting parameters and environmental norms. As per the Supreme Court order, no action shall be taken regarding siting parameters. However, action will be initiated if any crusher is found violating environmental norms.”

The Supreme Court’s intervention has brought temporary relief to the stone crusher owners in Yamunanagar, ensuring continued operations while compliance checks are conducted.