Illegal stone crushers pollute water bodies in Kangra, defy NGT orders

Despite the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) directive to shut down stone crushers within 100 metres of water bodies, several crushers in Kangra continue to pollute local rivers and rivulets, including the Beas. These water bodies serve as critical sources of drinking water for the region. The NGT had declared such operations illegal under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and ordered a reassessment of the distances of these crushers. However, many continue to function unabated, causing severe ecological degradation.

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In Jaisinghpur and Thural, stone crushers operating near riverbanks discharge effluents that contaminate these water sources. For instance, the Neugal river, tapped by the IPH department for drinking water supply to Dheera and Dehra Gopipur areas, has been heavily polluted by a crusher near Mundi village.

Despite public protests and complaints to authorities, illegal extraction of sand and stones persists. Residents of Purbha village recently submitted a memorandum to SDM Dheera Salem Aajam, but no effective action has been taken. Villagers allege inaction by lower authorities and complicity between state agencies and the sand mining mafia.

The use of heavy machinery like JCBs and Poklanes for sand mining has compounded the problem in areas like Thural, Jaisinghpur, Kanghain, and Alampur. Deep trenches left by miners become dangerous during the rainy season, posing risks to both humans and animals. Illegal sand mining has also weakened river embankments, increasing the vulnerability to floods, especially in the Beas basin. Environmental experts warn that the loss of wetlands has exacerbated the risk of floods and lowered water levels in local rivers and rivulets.

Varun Gupta, a senior officer of the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (HP PCCB), assured action against violators and noted that fines have already been imposed on several stone crushers. However, locals claim these measures are insufficient, with sand miners continuing their operations around the clock. They urge stricter enforcement to protect the region’s fragile ecology and water resources.

The ongoing environmental degradation highlights the urgent need for accountability and stricter implementation of NGT guidelines to safeguard water bodies in Kangra and surrounding areas.