Home / Environment / Himachal Stone Crusher Accused of Massive Illegal Mining
Himachal Stone Crusher Accused of Massive Illegal Mining
29 Apr
Summary
- NGT orders probe into illegal mineral extraction allegations.
- Stone crusher unit allegedly extracted 61% more minerals than permitted.
- Environmental damage and destruction of agricultural land reported.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered a joint committee to investigate allegations of illegal mineral extraction by a stone crusher unit in the Haroli subdivision of Una district, Himachal Pradesh. The committee, led by the Una deputy commissioner, is tasked with assessing the extent of illegal excavation and potential violations of environmental clearance norms.
The probe stems from an application by local residents who accuse M/s Mahadev Stone Crusher of exceeding its approved annual extraction limit by 61%. Furthermore, calculations suggest actual extraction could be over four times the permissible amount. The unit is also alleged to have illegally excavated private agricultural land to a significant depth.
This extensive excavation has reportedly caused permanent damage to a hillslope, rendered land unusable for agriculture, and removed natural vegetation. The applicants have urged the NGT to cancel the unit's operating permits and impose penalties, citing a lack of action from environmental authorities despite past inspections revealing deficiencies.
