NGT Orders Closure of Four Stone Crusher Units in Dhenkanal

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the immediate closure of four stone crusher units operating in Dhenkanal district for encroaching upon rural forest land and violating environmental norms.

The Eastern Zone Bench of the NGT found that the units, located in Nihalprasad under Gondia tehsil near Nishinta hills, had illegally occupied forest areas and carried out unauthorised mining activities.

The tribunal emphasised that such operations posed a serious threat to the adjoining reserved forest zones.

Authorities have been instructed to recover environmental compensation based on the extent of illegal mining carried out.

Until further orders, no stone crushing or mining activity will be permitted in the affected areas.

This directive underscores the tribunal’s commitment to safeguarding forest land and ensuring strict compliance with environmental regulations in Odisha.