NGT restrains operation of brick kiln, stone crusher in Assam’s Nalbari

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has barred a brick manufacturing unit and a stone crusher in Assam’s Nalbari district from operating until they obtain all mandatory statutory clearances and comply with environmental norms.

The order was passed recently by a Bench of the NGT’s Eastern Zone in Kolkata comprising Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi, judicial member, and expert member Ishwar Singh.

The tribunal directed that the JPIS Brick Manufacturing Unit and the PASA Stone Crusher Unit at Chengnoi in Nalbari district shall remain non-operational unless they secure all required statutory permissions, including a valid Consent to Operate (CTO) from the Assam State Pollution Control Board (ASPCB), and comply with the environmental guidelines issued by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the ASPCB.

The matter reached the tribunal after complainants alleged that the proposed brick kiln and stone crusher were being set up near the Pagladiya riverbed in violation of environmental norms, posing a threat to the river ecosystem, local biodiversity, public health and elephant movement in the area. After examining reports submitted by a joint committee, the ASPCB and the district administration, the tribunal noted that neither unit was operational at the time of inspection.

It also observed that the Consent to Establish earlier granted to the JPIS Brick Manufacturing Unit had already been withdrawn by the state pollution control board.

The tribunal directed the ASPCB to verify whether both units comply with the applicable siting criteria, environmental guidelines and conditions attached to statutory consents.

It said the Board should grant or continue the CTO only if the units fully satisfy all legal and environmental requirements.

The district magistrate of Nalbari was directed to examine objections regarding the area’s reported status as an elephant corridor and pass appropriate orders in accordance with law.

The tribunal ordered that neither the JPIS Brick Manufacturing Unit nor the PASA Stone Crusher Unit shall operate without the necessary no-objection certificates, a valid CTO and full compliance with CPCB and ASPCB guidelines and other environmental norms.

The tribunal also directed the District Magistrate and the Superintendent of Police, Nalbari, to ensure that neither unit operates illegally.