Jammu, Feb 06: The Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) has issued closure directions for 158 stone crusher units and hot mix plants found operating in violation of environmental laws between January 2021 and January 2022, the government informed the Legislative Assembly on Friday.
The details were revealed in a written response to a question raised by MLA Aijaz Ahmad Jan.
According to the government reply, the JKPCC issued the closure orders under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. These plants were found operating outside prescribed norms, with the action covering the period from January 1, 2021, to January 31, 2022.
The government clarified that all new stone crushers and hot mix plants in Jammu division are granted 'Consent to Establish' only after they comply with official siting criteria and install adequate Pollution Control Devices (PCDs). So far, 72 stone crushers and 19 hot mix plants have been granted such consent. For operational status, 346 stone crushers and 115 hot mix plants have been granted 'Consent to Operate'.
The government said that directions from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Supreme Court are being followed strictly, and that an Environment Clearance under the EIA, 2006 notification is not required for setting up a stone crusher unit.
To prevent violations, the government now uses satellite imagery and Geographic Information System (GIS) platforms to cross-check the distances of these units from restricted areas like residential zones and highways. Previously, this relied on field verification. This new system aims to eliminate errors in reporting distances.
The government said that a departmental enquiry is underway against two JKPCC employees for allegedly providing incorrect distance certificates for older stone crushers and hot mix plants that do not meet current siting criteria. However, no vigilance or criminal case has been registered against any employee so far.
Responding to a question on river ecology and illegal mining, the government informed the House that all river bed mining projects are regulated through the Environmental Clearance (EC) mechanism under the EIA Notification, 2006.
Projects covering more than 5 hectares (Category B1) require a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report and a public hearing before EC is granted. Projects under 5 hectares (Category B2) need an Environment Management Plan (EMP). The Jammu & Kashmir Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (JKEIAA) prescribes legally enforceable conditions to protect river ecology during the grant of EC.
The government said that project proponents must comply with the Sustainable Sand Mining Management Guidelines, 2016. It added that they must obtain consent from JKPCC and adopt pollution control measures like water sprinkling at mining sites, covering transported material with sheets, and restricting mining hours to between 8 AM and 6 PM. Failure to comply results in legal action under environmental laws.
Farzana Syed
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