The status of stone crusher units in Odisha (formerly Orissa) is governed by various environmental, legal, and regulatory frameworks. Here’s an overview:
1. Regulatory Framework
– Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) regulates stone crushers under the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
– Stone crushers must obtain Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) from OSPCB.
– Compliance with Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006 is mandatory for larger units.
2. Location Restrictions
– Crushers must be at least:
– 500 meters from national highways.
– 200 meters from state highways.
– 100 meters from rivers, ponds, and residential areas.
– Prohibited in ecologically sensitive zones (forests, wildlife sanctuaries).
3. Recent Updates & Issues
– Many stone crushers were closed or penalized for violating pollution norms.
– The Odisha government has been tightening enforcement due to complaints about dust pollution and illegal mining linkages.
– Some units operate without valid permits, leading to legal actions.
4. Licensing & Compliance
– Requires:
– Mining lease/raw material sourcing clearance.
– Registration under the Factories Act, 1948 (if applicable).
– Valid GST registration.
5. Court Orders & Government Actions
– The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has intervened in cases of illegal operation and pollution violations.
– The state government periodically conducts drives to shut down non-compliant units.
6. Industry Status
– Stone crushing is a significant sector in Odisha due to construction demand.
– Many small-scale crushers operate in districts like Khurda, Cuttack, Angul, and Sundargarh.
How to Check Legal Status?
To verify if a stone crusher is legally operating:
1. Check OSPCB’s website for CTE/CTO status: [https://www.ospcb.gov.in](https://www.ospcb.gov.in)
2. Verify mining lease details with the Odisha Mining Department.
3. Look for NGT/Odisha High Court rulings on specific cases.
Would you like details on a specific district or recent closure
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