The Department of Forest and Environment has requested Revenue and Disaster Management (R&DM) Department to rein in the illegally operating stone crusher units operating in different districts.
In a letter, it urged the R&DM Department to direct the Collectors to crack down on such units and close them down since many of them are found to have violated the siting criteria notified by the State Government in consultation with the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB).
The Board has informed the Forest and Environment Department that a substantial number of stone crusher units are still in operation despite an order by the Government in 2010 to shut down for violation of norms.
The illegally operating units were given three months’ time to close their operation but in vain.
In fact, the Orissa High Court had also asked districts as well State Police to assist the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) in closing down the non-compliant units.
The National Human Rights Commission too had asked the Government as well as the Board to submit a status report on stone crushers.
The Superintendent of Police of the districts have been asked to provide necessary assistance in closing down or demolition of the units.