NGT seeks report on Stone supply to Crushers in Himachal over Illegal Mining concerns
Shimla, July 13,
The Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (HPSPCB) to submit a detailed report on the origin of stones supplied to stone crushers operating across the state.
The directive came during the hearing of a suo motu case initiated based on a newspaper report titled “Mining Mafia Has Hollowed Out Infrastructure” published in a vercular daily on May 13, 2024.
The matter was taken up on July 1, 2025, where the NGT expressed concern over the growing allegations of indiscriminate mining activities under the guise of infrastructure development.
The Tribunal noted that while several stone crushers are functioning in Himachal Pradesh, a significant number are sourcing raw material from unverified mining sites.
It observed that the state government had been blamed for facilitating extensive mining without robust environmental oversight.
Earlier, in an order dated April 24, 2025, the Tribunal had summoned Respondent No. 4 to appear virtually and submit details of illegal mining activities and the government’s action against them.
However, the respondent sought exemption from appearance citing preoccupation with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association meet. The Tribunal accepted the explanation and granted an extension.
In the latest affidavit filed, the respondent submitted a list of stone crushers that had been granted mining leases.
However, the HPSPCB admitted it needed three more weeks to collect and furnish information regarding the sources of stone supply, along with the environmental clearances and other permissions for these crushers.
The Tribunal granted the extension and fixed the next date of hearing for October 6, 2025.
Meanwhile, in a separate but related matter heard on July 2, the Tribunal disposed of a petition by one Devi Lal, who alleged unauthorized levelling of land and tree cutting for setting up a stone crusher in Una district.
The Tribunal directed the Member Secretary of the HPSPCB to investigate the complaint, verify clearances, and conduct a spot inspection within two months.
The twin developments underline the Tribunal’s increasing scrutiny of Himachal’s mining operations and environmental oversight.
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