| File Note: |
o It is submitted that M/s Stone Linker Crusher Udyog, Village Nikku Chak, Tehsil Mukerian, District Hoshiarpur, was earlier visited by the officer of this office on 14.12.2021.
Thereafter, the stone crusher was granted Consent to Operate (CTO) under the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, valid up to 18.06.2023, with stipulated conditions. Further, the electric connection of the stone crusher was restored temporarily vide ZO Letter No. 4089 dated 19.12.2022 for the period up to 14.06.2023.
Subsequently, the unit was visited again on 06.02.2023, wherein the stone crusher was found in operation and was observed to be complying with the code of practice prescribed for stone crushers.
Thereafter, the unit applied for renewal of Consent to Operate under the Water Act, 1974 and Air Act, 1981 and the same were granted up to 30.09.2028, with usual terms and conditions and special conditions including compliance with code of practice for stone crushers, PPCB/CPCB guidelines and registration with the Mining Department. Directions were also issued to PSPCL authorities not to disconnect the electric connection of the stone crusher upto 16.11.2023.
Subsequently, It is further submitted that during a meeting held on 15.01.2025, the unit was directed to procure raw material only from legal mining sources with valid registration, in compliance with CPCB guidelines.
This office thereafter received a letter from the Executive Engineer, Mining Department, vide No. 64 dated 16.01.2025, confirming that the mining registration of the unit stood cancelled w.e.f. 12.12.2024 due to non-submission of mandatory monthly returns.
The unit submitted a reply dated 03.02.2025, stating that an appeal was pending before the Assistant State Geologist, and requested the Board not to revoke its consent. The matter was referred to the Mining Department for verification; however, no response was received despite reminders issued on 20.02.2025 and 10.03.2025.
During the personal hearing held on 02.04.2025, it was found that the unit was operating without valid mining registration, thereby violating the conditions of consent granted under the Water Act, 1974 and Air Act, 1981.
Accordingly, in exercise of powers conferred under Section 25/26 of the Water Act, 1974 and Section 21 of the Air Act, 1981, the Consent to Operates granted to M/s Stone Linker Crusher Udyog were revoked vide RO letter dated 09.04.2025.
o Now, the stone crusher has applied for consent to operate under the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 through OCMMS.
The industry has deposited Rs. 54000/- vide UTR/Ref. No. 000135172922 dated 04.05.2023 (against application No. 21999091) under Water Act, 1974 & Rs. 54000/- vide UTR/Ref. No. 000135173046 dated 04.05.2023 (against application No. 21999089) under Air Act, 1981. The fee submitted by the industry is adequate upto 30.04.2028.
The unit has also submitted CA Certificate for Rs. 3.67 Cr. Bearing UDIN No. 25099974BMIDUQ8728 and a copy of TDCO from PSPCL.
The stone crusher was visited by Er. Tarundeep Singh, AEE on 22.01.2026 and observed that:
1. The Stone crusher was not in operation during visit.
2. The unit has installed 01 no. jaw crusher, 02 no. Vibrator, 02 no. granuator and 01 no. rotopactor.
3. The unit has not submitted letter from Mining department regarding availability of raw material.
4. The unit has submitted Mining registration valid upto 31.12.2026.
5. Dust emitting points such as jaw/roller crushers are covered with GI sheets.
6. Conveyor belts are covered with green cloths and belts are found to be made of proper material.
7. End chutes have been provided.
8. Water sprinkling arrangements at dust emitting points, transfer points and boundary were found in place. The stone crusher has provided sprinklers at movement area of the vehicles. Some manual sprinkling is being done.
9. Approach road and ramp are stabilized.
10. Green belt plantation has been carried out but the stone crusher needs to plant more trees around the boundary.
11. Domestic effluent is being collected in a septic tank.
In view of the above, it is submitted that although the stone crusher is complying with pollution control measures and has submitted a valid mining registration, the unit has failed to submit letter from the Mining Department regarding availability of raw material from legal sources, which is a mandatory requirement.
Hence, it is recommended that, if approved, a Show Cause Notice for refusal of Consent to Operate under the Water Act, 1974 and Air Act, 1981 may be issued without personal hearing, directing the unit to show cause within 07 days as to why the consent to operate should not be refused.
(Competency: Environmental Engineer) |
