NGT Halts Operations of Brick and Stone Units in Assam for Environmental Violations
NGT's Directive on Brick and Stone Units
A file image of National Green Tribunal in Delhi. (Photo: IANS)
Guwahati, Jul 27: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued an order prohibiting the operations of a brick manufacturing facility and a stone crusher located in Assam's Nalbari district until they secure all necessary statutory approvals and adhere to environmental regulations.
This ruling was made by a Bench of the NGT's Eastern Zone in Kolkata, which included Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member Ishwar Singh.
The tribunal mandated that the JPIS Brick Manufacturing Unit and the PASA Stone Crusher Unit situated at Chengnoi in Nalbari must remain inactive until they obtain a valid Consent to Operate (CTO) from the Assam State Pollution Control Board (ASPCB) and comply with the environmental standards set by both the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the ASPCB.
The case was brought to the tribunal's attention following complaints that the brick kiln and stone crusher were being established near the Pagladiya riverbed, violating environmental regulations and threatening the river's ecosystem, local biodiversity, public health, and the movement of elephants in the vicinity.
Upon reviewing reports from a joint committee, the tribunal noted that neither facility was operational during the inspection.
It was also highlighted that the Consent to Establish previously granted to the JPIS Brick Manufacturing Unit had been revoked by the state pollution control board.
The tribunal instructed the ASPCB to ensure that both units meet the relevant siting criteria, environmental guidelines, and conditions associated with their statutory approvals.
It stated that the Board should only issue or renew the CTO if the units fully comply with all legal and environmental standards.
The district magistrate of Nalbari was tasked with investigating concerns regarding the area's designation as an elephant corridor and to take appropriate legal action.
The tribunal emphasized that neither the JPIS Brick Manufacturing Unit nor the PASA Stone Crusher Unit is permitted to operate without the required no-objection certificates, a valid CTO, and full adherence to CPCB and ASPCB guidelines along with other environmental regulations.