NGT earmarks 200 metre as minimum distance between stone quarries and residential structures

The National Green Tribunal Wednesday earmarked 200 metre as the minimum distance to be maintained between stone quarries and residential or public structures across the country.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel held that the stone quarries should maintain a minimum distance of 100 metre between them and the residential/public buildings, when blasting is not involved.

The order was passed after taking note of the report filed by the Central Pollution Control Board which also said that the regulations for danger zone (500 m) prescribed by Directorate General of Mines Safety also have to be complied compulsorily and necessary measures should be taken to minimise the impact on environment.

“However, if any state is already having stringent criteria than the above for minor mineral mining (i.e. more prescribed distances than the above), the same shall be applicable,” the bench said.

The tribunal directed the CPCB to monitor compliance and said criteria be followed throughout the country.

The NGT was hearing a plea filed by Kerala resident Usha A alleging illegal quarrying and mining at Vazhappara Nanniyode Panchayath, Kurupuzha.

The green panel had earlier noted that Kerala State PCB reiterated the distance criteria of 50 metres, and mentioned that no study is available with the CPCB in the issue.

The NGT had said that the distance of 50 metres for stone quarry, particularly when blasts are involved, is highly inadequate and can have deleterious effect on noise and air pollution, environment and public health.

It had directed the CPCB to examine and lay down more stringent conditions and appropriately longer distance and convey the same to the State Boards.

In compliance to the NGT order, the CPCB examined the matter and prepared the report on Distance Criteria for Permitting Stone Quarrying and forwarded it to state pollution control boards.

The CPCB has recommended a minimum distance of 100 meters, when blasting was not involved from residential, public buildings, inhabited sites, protected monuments, public roads, railway lines, bridges, dams, reservoirs, rivers, lakes or any other locations to be considered by states.

Where blasting was involved, CPCB has said that a minimum distance of 200 meters from residential buildings and others be followed