JAMMU: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has ordered the closure of 158 Stone Crushers and Hot Mix Plants from January 1, 2021, to January 1, 2026, found operating in violation of established norms.
Replying to a question raised by MLA Ajaz Ahmad Jan, Forest, Ecology & Environment Minister, Javed Ahmed Rana said that the J&K Pollution Control Committee has issued directions under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981 and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution Act, 1974 for the closure of these 158 units.
Regarding the compliance of Stone Crushers and Hot Mix plants with the established norms, he informed the House that the units are granted Consent to Establish only if they comply with the criteria and after checking the adequacy of Pollution Control Devices (PCDs) as prescribed by JK PCC under the Water Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and Air Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
He said that the directions issued by the National Green Tribunal and the Supreme Court of India from time to time have been complied with in letter and spirit, and legal action is initiated against the violators under the environmental Law.
The Minister further underlined that specific steps are being taken to protect the river ecology, prevent pollution linked to illegal mining and ensure accountability within JKPCB under environmental laws.
Javed Rana said that all river bed mining projects in Jammu & Kashmir are being mandatorily regulated through the Environmental Clearance (EC) mechanism.
The Minister stated that the Jammu & Kashmir Environment Impact Assessment Authority (JKEIAA) prescribes standard and project-specific environmental conditions when granting Environmental Clearance (EC). These conditions are legally binding and aim to protect river ecology, prevent pollution and environmental degradation from mining activities and ensure accountability of project proponents and regulatory authorities, including monitoring and compliance with the environmental laws.
Javed Rana stated that Project Proponents are mandated to undertake the mining strictly in compliance with the Sustainable Sand Mining Management Guidelines, 2016.
Further, the Mining Blocks also require consent from the J&K Pollution Control Committee and the project proponents are required to adopt measures like water sprinkling in the mining area, covering of material with sheets while transporting and mining operations are permitted only during the daytime, i.e. from 8 AM to 6 PM.
He further said that with the advent of remote sensing and GIS tools, the distances are cross-checked on such platforms for the issuance of distance certificates. He added that the distance certificate, viz-a-viz Siting Criteria, is provided by the concerned line departments while performing cross-checking on GIS platforms, so that reports of incorrect distances by field staff do not arise.
