National Green Tribunal orders closure of four stone crushers in Odisha

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) East Zone bench has ordered the immediate shutdown of four stone crusher units in the Dhenkanal district of Odisha. The decision follows findings of unauthorized occupation of Gramya Jungle and other lands beyond the limits permitted by no-objection certificates (NOCs).

The tribunal's order, issued by a bench including Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi, prohibits the units from operating or conducting mining activities in the affected areas until further notice. The NGT has directed the Dhenkanal district Collector and Superintendent of Police to ensure compliance with the shutdown.

Investigations, including drone photography and area calculations, revealed significant discrepancies in land usage. In one instance, a unit permitted to occupy 6.67 acres was found to have occupied approximately 13.4 acres. The case, initiated by a Talcher-based NGO, alleges that over 20,000 tonnes of stone were illegally extracted using blasting and heavy machinery near Nishinta Hill and adjoining reserve forests.

The Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) has been directed to assess the quantity of illegally mined minerals and impose environmental compensation where violations are confirmed.