Have the rules on stone crusher operations in Tamil Nadu changed?
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Synopsis
The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has announced stricter guidelines for stone crushers, focusing on environmental safety. This move is expected to balance industrial growth with ecological conservation. Learn how these new regulations will affect existing and new stone crusher units across the state.
Key Takeaways
- New guidelines for stone crushers have been introduced by TNPCB.
- Strict distance regulations of 500 metres from sensitive ecological areas are now in place.
- Expansion of existing units is contingent on maintaining permissible air quality.
- New infrastructure requirements aim to reduce dust pollution.
- Non-compliance could lead to serious penalties.
Chennai, May 13 (NationPress) The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has released a new set of guidelines regulating the establishment and expansion of stone crusher operations statewide. These updated regulations impose tougher restrictions designed to protect environmentally sensitive regions and mitigate pollution.
As per the revised rules, the TNPCB will deny consent for new stone crusher units or expansions at sites located within 500 metres of reserve forests or designated eco-sensitive areas.
This represents a notable tightening of earlier standards, which primarily barred crushers from being established close to highways, heavily populated zones, educational institutions, and places of worship.
The new guidelines also set forth more stringent environmental performance criteria for existing units.
Expansion will only be authorized if the ambient air quality remains within acceptable limits in all directions within a 500-metre radius from the unit's boundary.
This initiative seeks to guarantee that any increase in industrial activities does not degrade air quality in nearby areas.
To minimize the environmental footprint from transportation-related emissions, the TNPCB is advocating for crushers to be positioned near quarries. This will significantly reduce the necessary vehicular movement for raw material transport, thus lowering dust and carbon emissions.
Additionally, to combat dust pollution, the new regulations require the installation of wind-breaking walls and concrete roads within the crusher premises.
These infrastructure stipulations aim to prevent dust re-entrainment into the atmosphere, a frequent issue around such facilities. Units that breach the revised directives could incur severe penalties.
The TNPCB has cautioned that non-compliance may lead to the withdrawal of operating consent, the imposition of environmental compensation, and other punitive measures. These updated regulations follow a mandate from the southern bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which directed the TNPCB to revisit siting criteria for stone crushers.
A multi-departmental committee, involving representatives from the Central Pollution Control Board, Forest and Health Departments, TNPCB, and the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), was formed to draft the new framework. This action is viewed as a vital step in harmonizing industrial growth with ecological conservation in Tamil Nadu.
Point of View
The recent regulations introduced by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board reflect an important shift towards sustainable industrial practices. Balancing economic development with environmental preservation is essential, and these guidelines signify a proactive approach to safeguarding our natural resources while accommodating industrial needs.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the new regulations for stone crushers in Tamil Nadu?
The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has introduced updated guidelines that impose stricter rules regarding the establishment and expansion of stone crushers, particularly in environmentally sensitive areas.
Are there penalties for violating the new guidelines?
Yes, units that fail to comply with the new regulations may face severe penalties, including the revocation of operating consent and environmental compensation fees.
What is the distance restriction for new stone crushers?
New stone crushers cannot be established or expanded within 500 metres of reserve forests or eco-sensitive zones.
How do these regulations impact air quality?
The updated guidelines require that expansion is only allowed if ambient air quality remains within permissible limits, ensuring that industrial growth does not degrade air quality.
Why is the TNPCB encouraging crushers to be near quarries?
Locating crushers near quarries is aimed at minimizing transportation emissions, thereby reducing dust and carbon footprints associated with vehicular movement.
