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Doda administration sitting silently over illegally operating stone crushers Destroying Environment! 10/22/2016 7:59:49 AM Syed Junaid Hashmi Early Times Report JAMMU, Oct 21: Minister for Forest Choudhary Lal Singh does claim of having initiated strict action against forest land grabbers but not much attention is being paid to the illegally operating stone crushers and mixing plants in and around Bhaderwah town. The stone crushers as well as mixing plants are causing extensive damage to the fragile environment of Bhaderwah, which is known as mini-Kashmir for its scenic beauty. Concern has been repeatedly raised with higher officials including the Minister by environmentalists but nothing has moved beyond lip-service. And what makes the operation of illegal stone crushers and mixing plants serious is the fact that these are operating under the very noose of the forest officials, said the sources. They added that the stone crushers are operating in complete violation of the norms of the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) yet neither the forest department nor the district administration is ready to take note and initiate action against the accused officials. Sources further said that the state government had asked the district administration in Doda to act against these illegally operating stone crushers and mixing plants but no action was taken. Instead, officials of SPCB advised the owners to play safe and ensure that they are not caught. They even advised them how to ensure that they are not caught violating SPCB norms and if at all, any action is initiated, how they can save their skin. The order had clearly stated that people with political backing had come-up with stone-crushers and mixing plants within the river beds or on Kahcharai or state land yet the district administration has so far preferred keeping mum. As per norms, there should be three rows of broad leaves trees encircling the stone crushing units. Besides there should be water sprinklers to reduce the emission of dust particles. The queried material should be covered in sheds. Sources further said that the High Court had also asked the State Government to formulate the policy for setting up of stone crusher units but so far the policy has not been formulated, exposing the non-serious approach. They added that high court had asked SPCB to strictly follow the policy guidelines and shut-down all illegally operating stone crushers but District Administration is an exception when it comes to following norms and forcing people to follow.   Share This News with Your Friends on Social Network     Comment on this Story

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