The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has updated guidelines on the operation and expansion of stone crushers in the state.
These new regulations recently issued impose stricter restrictions on the operation of stone crushers and under what conditions to expand.
According to the revised guidelines, if the site is located within 500 meters of a reserve forest or belonging to an ecologically sensitive area, the establishment of a new stone crusher or an extension of an existing crusher will not be agreed. Previously, these standards were limited to alms who were located near highways, densely populated areas, educational institutions and places of religious significance.
In addition, the new rules stipulate that the expansion of existing crushers is allowed only if the ambient air mass remains within acceptable standards in all directions within a radius of 500 meters from the unit boundary. Crushers will also be encouraged to establish nearby quarries to minimize transportation-related pollution.
To alleviate dust pollution, these guidelines require crushers to build windproof walls and concrete roads within their homes to reduce dust-like re-entry atmospheric. Failure to comply with these conditions can lead to severe penalties, including revoking consent orders, imposing environmental compensation and other actions.
These latest guidelines are in response to the order of the Southern Judge of the National Green Court, which directed the TNPCB to reevaluate the site selection criteria for stone crushers. Under the order, a committee composed of officials from the Central Pollution Control Commission, the Ministry of Forestry, the Ministry of Health, the TNPCB and the National Institute of Environmental Engineering has formulated new regulations.
publishing – May 13, 2025 12:12 AM IST
