NGT orders review of J&K govt's handling of Dewan stone crusher case

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a directive for a comprehensive review of the Jammu & Kashmir government’s approach to the case of M/S Dewan Stone Crusher in the Poonch district. The case, known as Hassina Wajid vs. State of Jammu & Kashmir, has cast a spotlight on the environmental and regulatory hurdles in the area.

The NGT’s order in Original Application No. 151/2023 calls for a meticulous examination of the state’s actions regarding the stone crusher’s operations. The tribunal has stressed the importance of the personal appearance of the Director of the Department of Geology and Mining, J&K, the District Magistrate of Poonch, and the Regional Officer of JKPCC, Poonch, via video conferencing for the upcoming hearing.

At the heart of the controversy is M/S Dewan Stone Crusher’s activities in the ChakBhodo area of District Poonch. The crusher, which had been granted a license, faced operational challenges following a seizure order from the administration. Subsequent legal proceedings led to the de-sealing of the crusher on January 18, 2023.

However, recent inspections have shown no new mining activity at the site previously reported for illegal mining. The current halt in operations is due to a closure order from the pollution department dated October 31, 2023.

The intervention by the J&K Pollution Control Committee came after an inspection revealed the stone crusher was operating without the necessary pollution control devices, valid consents, or adequate pollution control measures required by environmental laws. As a result, the Committee has ordered the immediate closure of M/S Dewan Stone Crusher until it meets all legal and environmental compliance requirements.

The NGT’s involvement seeks to address the issues of illegal mining and environmental violations linked to the stone crusher’s operations. The tribunal’s scrutiny, prompted by a report from the Directorate of Geology & Mining, J&K, aims to bring clarity to the legal and environmental dimensions of the case.

The NGT’s order dated October 19, 2023, underscores the need for a thorough examination to ensure that mining activities comply with environmental standards. This move highlights the importance of sustainable mining practices and adherence to environmental laws.

The outcome of this case is expected to have a significant impact on environmental governance in Jammu & Kashmir, potentially setting a precedent for how environmental concerns are weighed against developmental activities.

Environmental activists have hailed the NGT’s order as a positive step towards enhancing transparency and accountability in the mining sector. The case emphasizes the ongoing challenges in enforcing environmental regulations and the vital role that judicial bodies play in protecting the environment.

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