Environmentalists and villagers are questioning the operation of a stone crusher on the banks of the Dhauli Ganga river by the company implementing the 520 MW Tapovan Vishnugad hydro electric project in Chamoli district. Activists state that a stone crusher cannot be set up and operated within 200 metres of a river, but the district administration states that the operation of this particular stone crusher has been permitted by the State administration.
The local villagers have alleged that this stone crusher is being operated in blatant violation of rules that prohibit any stone crusher from being operated within 200 metres of a river. On being asked about this, the sub-divisional magistrate AP Nautiyal said that the State administration has permitted the stone crusher to operate at its present location.
However, the villagers point out that stone crushers are not allowed within 200 metres of a river or in an inhabited area. They question the rule under which the stone crusher is being allowed to operate on the river bank by the State administration. The locals further allege that this stone crusher was found operating illegally in the past and shut down by the district administration.
However, it is being reported that after being closed, permission was sought and the stone crusher was reopened on the bank of the river. On being contacted on the phone, an official of the mining department state that the company has been accorded permission to operate the stone crusher.
However, when asked as to how far from the river is a stone crusher meant to be located according to regulations, the official avoided giving a clear answer and disconnected the line.