NGT orders ecological restoration after stone crusher violations; plan to be finalized in two months
WAJAHAT SHABIR
SRINAGAR: In a significant step towards environmental restoration, a three-member committee of have been assigned the task of drafting an Environment Rejuvenation Plan for Poonch.
The initiative follows directives from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in the case against M/s Dewan Stone Crusher, which was found guilty of violating environmental norms.
The Joint Committee which includes District Magistrate Poonch, members of the Jammu & Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC), and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has been given two months to finalize the rejuvenation plan, which will focus on restoring ecological balance, mitigating pollution, and rehabilitating the affected land.
Once approved, the plan will be implemented within three months of the environmental compensation deposit, ensuring swift action to remediate the damage caused by unauthorized industrial activities.
The legal battle surrounding M/s Dewan Stone Crusher, the Jammu & Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) has reaffirmed the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) order, insisting that the stone crusher in Poonch district violated crucial environmental norms and must cease operations immediately. JKPCC’s strong stance came as part of its compliance report to the NGT in OA No. 151 of 2023, a case filed by Hassina Wajid, Sarpanch, against the State of Jammu & Kashmir (UT) & Others.
The NGT had earlier found the stone crusher and hot mix plant in violation of siting norms, ordering their removal from the site within two months.
Additionally, the tribunal imposed an interim environmental compensation of ₹7,20,000, which was to be deposited with the JKPCC within one month. However, JKPCC’s latest submission reveals that the stone crusher continued to operate despite multiple legal orders, forcing the authorities to escalate action.
JKPCC’s report highlights that M/s Dewan Stone Crusher flouted multiple environmental regulations, leading to significant ecological damage in the surrounding area. The project proponents failed to adhere to the prescribed siting criteria, leading to dust pollution, noise hazards, and potential groundwater contamination.
Despite clear directives from the NGT, the unit delayed the payment of environmental compensation, prompting repeated warnings and notices from the authorities. JKPCC also confirmed that the project proponent attempted to secure relaxation in siting criteria, an argument that was dismissed by both the NGT and the Supreme Court.
M/s Dewan Stone Crusher escalated the case to the Supreme Court of India, arguing for a relaxation in siting norms. However, the Apex Court refused to intervene, making it clear that no relief could be granted unless official relaxation was approved. The court also emphasized that any such relaxation, if granted, would require fresh approval from the NGT.
Following the Supreme Court’s ruling, JKPCC has now taken an aggressive stance, stating that no exemptions will be provided for the stone crusher. The committee has reinforced its commitment to environmental conservation and strict implementation of pollution control laws.
With the polluter-pay principle in effect, the ₹7.2 lakh environmental compensation collected from the stone crusher will now be utilized for environmental restoration in the affected area. A Joint Committee, comprising the District Magistrate of Poonch, JKPCC, and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), has been tasked with drafting an Environment Rejuvenation Plan to address the ecological damage. This plan must be finalized within two months and executed within three months following the deposit of compensation.
JKPCC’s unwavering stance in this case sets a strong precedent against industries violating environmental regulations in Jammu & Kashmir. The case of M/s Dewan Stone Crusher serves as a warning that environmental violations will not be tolerated, and non-compliant units will face legal and financial consequences. With the CPCB backing the NGT’s ruling, this case signals a tougher regulatory approach towards polluting industries in the region.
