No ops near rivers: HP to stone-crushing units

SHIMLA:ON the orders of National Green Tribunal (NGT), the state government on Friday gave instructions to stone crushers to stop operations within 100m of the rivers with immediate effect.

The NGT order was issued on October 30. It has asked the pollution control board to submit a report about the number of stone crushers operating within 100m of river beds, for which a joint team of the department of industry and the pollution control board will visit these areas.

According to sources, joint teams of both the departments will complete the survey next week and will ensure that the crushers are completely closed.

The pollution control board in its report will mention the number of stone crushers in the fixed radius of rivers and their location, along with the level of pollution caused by these crushers.

The report will also mention the precautions that need to be taken in the future.

NGT orders have already been issued to stone crushers in Sirmour district.

HT FILE The NGT had issued the order banning stone crushers within 100m of the river bed on October 30.