NGT SEEKS REPORT ON PLEA AGAINST OPERATION OF STONE CRUSHERS IN RAJOURI

NEW DELHI: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has formed a committee and sought report on a plea against operation of stone crushers in violation of environmental norms in J&K’S Rajouri.

A bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice AK Goel said it is clear from the report of the district magistrate that there have been serious violations in operation of stone crushers, supported by illegal mining to the detriment of the environment.

“Steps so far taken to prevent illegal mining and further pollution are inadequate. So are the steps to make the violators accountable for past violations. Serious violations include diversion of flow of the river, lowering of water table, loss of irrigation/ crops, damage to the water quality and even death of a person who drowned in the deep pit created by the stone crusher,” the bench, also comprising Justices Sudhir Agarwal and Arun Kumar Tyagi, said.

The committee formed by the NGT includes Justice Janak Raj Kotwal, former Judge of J&K high court, along with officials from the Central Pollution Control Board, state pollution control board, nominee of secretary irrigation, J&K and district magistrate, Rajouri. “The panel may consider the reports already furnished and if found necessary, undertake a visit to the site and interact with stakeholders. Justice Kotwal may fix his own honorarium to be paid by the State PCB. The registry may forward a copy of the entire record to Justice JR Kotwal to enable the entire matter to be looked into. The report may be filed within three months by email,” the bench said.

The tribunal was hearing a plea filed by village head Arti Sharma against operation of stone crushers in violation of environmental norms in Rajouri district. “Requisite environmental clearance has not been taken. Illegal mining is also done on the bank of Tawi river. Air pollution is caused by using vehicles for transportation. This is resulting in lowering of water level, water scarcity, decreasing agriculture productivity,” the plea said.