The Tamil Nadu (TNPCB) pollution Council has updated its instructions on the operation and expansion of stone crushers in the state.
Recently, these new regulations issue stricter restrictions where stone crushers can operate and under what conditions it can be expanded.
According to the revised instructions, no consent will be granted for the establishment of new stone crushers or the extension of existing ones, if the place is located within 500 meters of the reserve forest or falls into environmental sensitive zones. Previously, the criteria have limited the crushers to the location near highways, inhabited areas, educational institutions and places of religious importance.
In addition, the new rules stipulate that the expansion of existing crushers will only be allowed if the quality of the ambient air remains in acceptable standards in all directions within 500 meters from the unit limit. The crushers will also be encouraged to establish nearby quarries to minimize transport -related pollution.
To alleviate dust pollution, they require instructions to require the crushers to build walls and concrete roads in their spaces to reduce the dust in the atmosphere. Failure to comply with these conditions could lead to serious sanctions, including cancellation of the consent, imposing environmental compensation and other events.
These updated instructions come in response to the order from the southern bench of the National Court Green Tribunal, which ordered TNPCB to reconsider the positioning criteria for stone crushers. In accordance with this order consisting of officials from the Central Council for Control of Pollution, Forestry Department, Health Department, TNPCB and National Institute for Environmental Engineering, new regulations formulated.
Published – May 13 2025 12:12 IS
