Plea against Stone crusher in Una dismissed by NGT after finding no violation
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Principal Bench, New Delhi, has disposed of a plea alleging illegal establishment of a stone crusher unit in Village Mandwara, Tehsil Ghanari, District Una, Himachal Pradesh, after finding that the unit had obtained all mandatory environmental consents.
The Bench, comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson) and Dr. A. Senthil Vel (Expert Member), passed the order while hearing Miscellaneous Application No. 121/2025 in Original Application No. 302/2025 — Devi Lal vs. Pawan Kumar & Ors. The matter pertained to allegations of land levelling and tree felling without required permissions for setting up the stone crusher.
Earlier, on July 2, 2025, the Tribunal had directed the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (HPSPCB) to investigate the complaint, conduct a spot inspection, and verify whether the project proponent had obtained requisite clearances.
In compliance, the HPSPCB conducted inspections on August 11 and August 14, 2025. The Board’s report stated that the unit, located at Mohal Mandwara, Mauza Marwari, possessed valid Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) under the Water and Air Acts. No illegal tree felling was observed, though some natural vegetation like shrubs and bamboo was present near the site.
The inspection also noted minor damage to the metalled road and a wind-breaking wall due to heavy rainfall. Spot directions were issued for repairs, which were later found to be completed during a follow-up visit.
Concluding that the allegations of illegal operations and tree cutting were unsubstantiated, the Tribunal observed that the stone crusher was operating in compliance with environmental norms.
While disposing of the matter, the NGT directed the HPSPCB to conduct regular monitoring of the unit to ensure continued compliance with environmental regulations and report any violations.
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