MLA up in arms against installation of stone crusher

Dasuya MLA Karambir Ghumman opposed the installation of a new stone crusher in the semi-hilly area of Bhol Bhadmania village, where hills are reportedly being cut down. Accompanied by his supporters and members of the ‘Stop Mining, Save Land Struggle Committee’, the MLA visited the site and declared that the crusher will not be allowed to operate under any condition.

Addressing the media, Ghumman claimed that the ‘Guru Stone Crusher’ is being set up on land owned by Congress leaders. He added that the crusher was granted a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) in 2021 during the Congress government. “The AAP government is not supporting such projects — it is working to shut these down,” he asserted.

When asked about other illegal crushers in the Talwara region, he said action will be taken against all of them.

However, the Opposition was quick to criticise the MLA’s move, calling it nothing more than a “high-voltage drama.” Former MLA and District Congress president Arun Kumar ‘Mikki’ Dogra said the land registration for this crusher was done during the AAP government in 2023, and the permission to operate was granted from 2024 to 2026. He accused Ghumman of blaming the Congress to cover up AAP’s own failures.

BJP Kisan Morcha leader Amolak Hundal raised doubts over the MLA’s sudden change of stance. “There was unchecked illegal mining for four years but he and his party were mum. Is he now planning to leave AAP and join another party?” he questioned.

Social worker and international wrestler Nirmal Singh alleged that false cases are being filed against those opposing illegal mining, while the MLA was trying to control damage to his public image.

The committee has been protesting against the Bhol Bhadmania crusher for over 18 months. Committee members claimed that mining officials have already declared most crushers in Talwara illegal. Despite Ghumman’s claim of shutting down two crushers near 52 gates barrage, they allege that those sites were still operational.