Illegal stone crusher on highway sealed after prolonged protest

An illegal stone crusher operating without proper documentation on the Gramphu-Kaza-Sumdo highway at Chhatdu was sealed by officials of the Lahaul and Spiti district administration, pollution control board and the police yesterday. This action follows prolonged protests on social media and a formal complaint lodged with the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (HPSPCB), Shimla.

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The crusher had been operating illegally for an extended period in Lahaul and Spiti district, lacking the necessary permits, including the original Forest Conservation Act (FCA) clearance.

Rajneesh Sharma, SDM, Keylong, confirmed that the crusher was functioning without required documentation. A report from the HPSPCB was sent to Shimla after which the Lahaul and Spiti district administration swung into action and sealed the crusher.

“Yesterday, a joint team of the SDM, pollution control board’s SDO Sunil Sharma and the local police visited the site to seal the crusher. Kullu mining officer, who is the Lahaul in-charge, will seize crushed material for further action,” the SDM said.