Report on illegal stone crushers and hot mix plants, Ramban, Jammu & Kashmir, 04/02/2020
Report by the Joint Committee of Central Pollution Control Board, Jammu & Kashmir Pollution Control Board and District Magistrate, Ramban on illegal operation of stone crushers and hot mix plants in district Ramban in terms of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) order of December 20, 2019 in Original Application No. 1045/2019 in the matter of Pritam Singh Vs Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir and Others.
The illegal operation was allegedly affecting ecology of the area adversely. It was further alleged that dumping of residual matter into the river was colouring the water of river Chenab, affecting aquatic life.
The report of the committee was received by the Tribunal on February 4, 2020 and made available to the public online on May 4, 2020. The committee identified 21 stone crushers and 6 hot mix plants in Ramban district, out of which only 6 units were inspected in January, 2020 due to inclement weather. The report noted major cutting activity taking place for 4 laning of National Highway which passes through the district. Several dumping sites were also observed at various locations in the area.
The committee also requested the NGT to allow permission to re-inspect the area during May-June, once the weather conditions improved and movement of traffic was brought to normal.