Ranchi, September 12: In compliance with the order of the Hon’ble High Court and directions issued by the Department of Mines and Geology, Government of Jharkhand, a major action was carried out against illegal stone mining and stone-crushing units in the Chutupalu and Ormanjhi block areas of Ranchi district.
A joint inspection team conducted site inspections and physical verification of stone-mining and stone-crushing units operating in the area. Action was taken against a total of 19 stone-crushing units. Of these, 8 crushers were sealed after their Consent to Operate (CTO) was found to have lapsed, while 11 stone-crushing units were demolished for violations and illegal operation.
Mining Leases and Environmental Clearances Verified
The joint team verified the available records as well as the actual ground status of the mining and stone-crushing units. Documents relating to approved mining leases/licences, environmental clearances, Consent to Establish (CTE), Consent to Operate (CTO) and other statutory permissions were examined.
The validity of CTOs, compliance with stipulated conditions and pollution-control provisions were also verified. Wherever applicable, records related to environmental clearances granted by the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) were also checked.
Units whose CTOs were found invalid or lapsed were dealt with as per the rules, resulting in the sealing of 8 stone crushers. Another 11 units found to be operating illegally and in violation of prescribed norms were demolished.
The concerned Circle Officers, Station House Officers and police personnel were present during the action. Along with examining documents available at the sites, the joint team also physically verified the actual operational status of the units.
The district administration has made it clear that action against illegal mining and stone-crushing units operating without valid permissions will continue. In coordination with the concerned departments, regular monitoring will be carried out to ensure compliance with mining regulations and environmental standards.
