2 min readApr 15, 2016 06:30 AM IST
First published on: Apr 15, 2016 at 06:30 AM IST
The State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) is clear that they would not give any clearance for any stone quarry in the district. According to the SEIAA, it has stopped issuing any clearance for the stone-crushing units in the district.
“After the NGT had stated that there would not be any stone-crushing unit operating, the SEIAA too has decided not to give any permission,” said a member.
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The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board in an affidavit filed recently with the National Green Tribunal has stated that of the 165 stone-crushing units operating in Wagholi and adjoining three villages, only two have met the statutory guidelines.
The NGT post had observed that the running of stone crushers was severely damaging the environment, resulting in adverse impact on the people’s health and degrading the conditions in the area.
The SEIAA took note of this observation and has decided not to give permission for any site.
The bench was hearing a plea by Uttamrao V Bhondwe, a resident from one of the affected villages, alleging large-scale air pollution caused by unregulated operation of stone crushers and quarries in Wagholi, Bhavadi, Perene and Lonikand in Haveli taluka.
Bhondwe had complained that the MPCB and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) were apathetic to the issue of strictly implementing the provisions of law to control such pollutions.
Last month, the bench had directed the MPCB to submit a complete list of stone crushers and quarries operating in these areas.
The SEIAA had earlier asked for an environmental assessment report and air quality for these areas from the collectorate.
“They are highly polluted areas,” said the member.
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