Stone crusher operates 'sans approvals', DC orders probe

Tribune News Service

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Pathankot, June 2

A stone crusher is allegedly operating without requisite permissions in the mining-rich belt of the Chak Gajju area of the Ravi. The unit is located in the “flood protection embankment” of the Ravi which in itself is a violation of norms.

According to rules, no crusher can be operated in such an area as it would damage the ecological balance of its surroundings.

Deputy Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Khaira said he had ordered a probe. “The crusher will be ordered to shut down if it is being operated without requisite permissions,” he said.

To get operationalised, crushing units need the consent of both the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) and athe drainage department.

Interestingly, the PPCB gave it a “provisional consent to operate” on May 28, based on a report which does not exist.

Pollution officials claim that the consent was based on the ‘findings’ of a three-member committee formed by the DC.

On November 14 last year, then DC Ramvir had formed a committee which was to be headed by the Superintending Engineer (SE) of the drainage department. The other members were the Tehsildar and the District Mining Officer.

The DC had asked it to submit its report within 15 days. However, six months on, the committee is yet to submit its report.

“On what basis did the PPCB give its green signal when the report does not even exist? Moreover, the permission from the drainage department is still awaited,” said an environmentalist.

A few months ago, the PPCB had given permission to install the crusher. However, on September 23 last year, it revoked its consent following an objection raised by the drainage department that the unit had violated norms.

The owners then moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court against the PPCB’s orders.

The next date of hearing has been fixed for August 4.

“On what basis is the owner being allowed to operate when the case is still pending in the court and the decision is still being awaited?” questioned an official.

DC Khaira said he would look into the matter.