Order of the National Green Tribunal (Central Zone Bench, Bhopal) in the matter of Atul Jain & Others Vs Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board & Others dated 28/02/2024.

The issue of pollution and damage of ecosystem due to illegal and unlawful setting up and operation of stone crusher and mining units in various villages in Rewa district have been raised. The air and water bodies are not only polluted by dust but also by illegal and unlawful blasting by illegally procured explosives are causing a threat to human life directly.

Since Madhya Pradesh State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (MPSEIAA) specifically mentioned in their minutes of meeting that, since there is no requirement for Environment Clearance (EC) for operation and running of stone crusher units and there is no check and balance mechanism on regular interval with MPSEIAA, the same has gone unnoticed and is increasing day by day.

It was further contended that 32 stone crushers/mining units are illegally operated without any proper and valid license and permission in the Aabadi area in the villages Narora, Hinauti, Sonra, Madhypur, Chhijwar, Baheliya, Kahmeriya, Baijnath and Bela, in tehsil Huzur, district Rewa. The NGT directed a five member joint committee to visit the place, examine the matter with regard to the environmental impact and essentiality and requirement of consent condition and EC and submit the factual and action taken report within six weeks.