Supreme Court Dismisses Petition Against Uttarakhand HC Order on Dehradun Stone Crusher
The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday dismissed a petition that challenged a Uttarakhand High Court order concerning the operation of the Sai Kripa stone crusher in Dehradun. The stone crusher was allegedly functioning in close proximity to a school and residential area, raising significant environmental and safety concerns among local residents and educational institutions.
Background of the Case
The operation of the Sai Kripa stone crusher was initially challenged before the Uttarakhand High Court last year. The primary ground for the challenge was its location within 200 metres of a densely populated locality. This area includes the Govt Inter College, several other schools, an anganwadi centre, and numerous residential houses. The college principal had reportedly written to authorities on multiple occasions, urging them to halt the construction and operation of the crusher. The principal cited serious concerns that the noise and pollution from the crusher could disrupt educational activities and pose health risks to students and nearby residents.
High Court's Directive and Trial Run
In an order dated December 30, the Uttarakhand High Court directed the Pollution Control Board (PCB) to conduct a comprehensive trial run of the stone crusher. The court mandated that the PCB measure the decibel levels generated during its operation, both at the crusher site itself and at the nearby educational institution. The trial run was specified to last for a period of three days. Importantly, the High Court allowed representatives of the petitioners to be present during this trial. Furthermore, if the petitioners desired to engage the services of any expert to monitor the proceedings, they were permitted to do so, ensuring transparency and thorough assessment.
The PCB was directed to submit a detailed report of their findings to the High Court by January 7. Following this, the matter was listed for further hearing after the winter vacation, indicating the court's intent to review the evidence meticulously before making a final decision.
Supreme Court's Decision and Liberty Granted
During the recent hearing, the Supreme Court dismissed the petition that sought to challenge the High Court's order. However, in a significant move, the apex court granted liberty to the petitioner. This means the petitioner is now free to move an application before the Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court. The application would seek the listing of the matter for hearing on an appropriate date, allowing for a fresh opportunity to present their case and concerns regarding the stone crusher's operation.
Assistance from Authorities
In its December 30 order, the High Court had also directed specific officials to assist the court commissioner in complying with the directives. These officials included:
- A district-level officer authorised by the director general of mines
- A mechanical engineer from the public works department
- The regional officer of the Pollution Control Board
This multi-departmental involvement underscores the complexity and seriousness of the issue, highlighting the need for expert input from various governmental bodies to ensure proper evaluation of the stone crusher's impact on the environment and public health.
The case continues to draw attention in Dehradun, reflecting broader concerns about industrial activities in residential and educational zones, and the balance between development and environmental protection in urban areas.
