Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding illegal operation of a stone crusher in village Mehli, district Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh, 13/05/2025
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Hemant Kumar & Others Vs State of Himachal Pradesh & Others dated 13/05/2025.
An application was received by the NGT filed by Hemant Kumar on behalf of all the villagers of Gram Panchayat Salani Katola, tehsil Nahan, district Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh. The matter related to the operation of illegal stone crushers in the area. M/S Maa Vaishno Stone Crusher is located at ram Panchayat Salani Katola, Village Mehli. This stone crusher is violating environmental regulations. Due to crushers, about 250 bighas land which were irrigated through Kuhl, is on the verge of becoming barren due to the lowering of the water level. Many complaints have been registered in the local district administration and mining department regarding the activities of stone crusher, but the department has not taken any action in the matter so far.
NGT sought response from the the District Magistrate, Sirmaur; Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board (HPPCB); Department of Industries, Himachal Pradesh and Project Proponent M/s Maa Vaishno Stone Crusher located at Gram Panchayat Salani Katola, village Mehli.
The tribunal also directed a joint committee to look into the matter. The Joint Committee is directed to visit the spot after giving notice to the Project Proponent, look into the grievances after joining the applicant and representative of the Project Proponent, verify the factual position, suggest appropriate remedial action and submit its report within six weeks. The Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board (HPPCB) would be the nodal agency for coordination and compliance.