Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Salim Stone Crusher Vs Union of India & Others dated 22/09/2020.

The application was filed by Salim Stone Crusher against the order of July 22, 2020 passed by the Director, Regional Mines and Geology, Haryana. The order was for cancelling the license granted to the applicant under the provisions of Haryana Regulation and Control of Stone Crusher Act, 1991. The applicant also appealed against the order of March 13, 2020 passed by the Haryana State Pollution Control Board assessing compensation of Rs. 34,37,500/- towards environmental compensation, for illegal mining.

The NGT ruled that the order of the Mines and Geology Haryana cannot be challenged before the Tribunal. Further, the stone crusher had procured mineral for the stone crusher from illegal sources, which represents illegal mining for which FIRs had been lodged. The stone crusher was sealed by the State PCB but the applicant broke open the seal. The NGT noted that the stone crusher was unable to explain the source of mineral used and dismissed the application.