5 days ago
Birbhum Stone Crushers Face Shutdown Threat Before Durga Puja
Birbhum has many businesses that crush stone for construction.
The National Green Tribunal says these businesses must show their legal and environmental papers.
A total of 193 units have been given until October 8 to comply.
If they cannot, officials may close them.
About 90,000 people work in the stone-mining and crushing sector.
Closing many units could cause widespread unemployment before Durga Puja.
Officials say the action responds to years of complaints about illegal mining and environmental harm.
Industry representatives are worried about workers and families.
Environmental activists say the rules must be enforced to protect nature and future generations.
The National Green Tribunal ordered 193 Birbhum crusher units to submit valid documents and environmental clearances by October 8.
Only 36 of 229 units previously asked to provide paperwork reportedly submitted valid documentation.
Noncompliant units could be shut down, threatening livelihoods in a sector employing an estimated 90,000 people.
Notices cover stone-industry hubs including Rampurhat, Nalhati, Murarai, Talbandh and Shalbadra.
Industry representatives warn of major job losses, while environmental activists demand enforcement against alleged illegal operations and ecological damage.
- Who
- The National Green Tribunal, Birbhum crusher owners, district officials, workers and environmental activists are involved.
- What
- The tribunal and administration ordered stone-crushing units to submit valid operational documents and environmental clearances, or face closure.
- Where
- Birbhum district, including Rampurhat, Nalhati, Murarai, Talbandh, Shalbadra and Panchami.
- When
- The submission period runs from September 29 to October 8; the deadline is October 8.
- Why
- The action follows allegations of illegal quarrying, environmental degradation, financial irregularities and operations without valid clearances.
Industry and Workers
Environmental Enforcement
Potential closures
Industry and Workers
Crusher owners and workers fear that shutting 193 units could cause widespread unemployment and hurt families before Durga Puja.
Environmental Enforcement
Environmental campaigners argue that units operating without required documents or clearances should be closed in accordance with the tribunal’s order.
Economic activity versus environmental protection
Industry and Workers
The stone sector is a major source of livelihoods in Birbhum, and industry representatives say operators have faced repeated notices and fines.
Environmental Enforcement
Activists say continued illegal stone extraction and crushing are causing serious environmental damage that could affect future generations.
Key facts
- Units facing immediate uncertainty
- 193 crusher units
- Earlier documentation review
- 36 of 229 units reportedly produced valid documentation
- Submission window
- September 29 to October 8
- Employment at stake
- An estimated 90,000 people
- Previous fines
- Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 1.5 lakh per operator in 2023
- Affected area
- Birbhum district, including Panchami, Rampurhat, Nalhati, Murarai, Talbandh and Shalbadra
Quotes
Syed Faizal Haque
Member of the Birbhum Crusher Owners Association
“Notices were already given to 229 crushers, including those in Panchami and Talbandh. In 2023, each operator had to pay a fine ranging from Rs.1 lakh to Rs.1.5 lakhs. This time, the order has been issued to submit valid documents within a specified time”
thestatesman.com
“If this business continues day after day, ignoring environmental rules, future generations will have to pay the price”
thestatesman.com
Sources
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