cont no of stone crusher in una himachal
The Una district in Himachal Pradesh has witnessed a significant rise in the number of stone crusher units over the years. These crushers play a crucial role in the region's construction and infrastructure development by processing raw materials like granite, basalt, and river gravel into usable aggregates. However, the unchecked growth of these units has raised concerns among environmentalists and local communities due to their impact on air quality, water resources, and public health.
Una's geographical location makes it ideal for stone crushing activities, as it is rich in natural stone deposits. The district shares borders with Punjab and Haryana, creating a steady demand for construction materials in neighboring states. Many crushers are concentrated along the highways and near riverbeds, where raw material extraction is easier. While these units contribute to employment generation and economic growth, their operations often lead to dust pollution, noise disturbances, and degradation of agricultural land.
The Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (HPSPCB) regulates stone crushers under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act and Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act. Units are required to obtain consent to establish and operate while adhering to environmental guidelines. Despite these regulations, illegal crushers continue to operate in remote areas of Una, bypassing norms related to dust suppression systems, green belts, and noise barriers.
Local residents have raised complaints about respiratory ailments caused by airborne particulate matter from crushing zones. Farmers report reduced crop yields due to dust settling on vegetation. Additionally, uncontrolled blasting activities threaten groundwater levels and destabilize hillsides. The district administration periodically conducts drives to shut down non-compliant units but struggles with enforcement due to resource constraints.
Sustainable solutions being explored include promoting cluster-based crushing zones with centralized pollution control measures. Some crushers have adopted wet suppression systems and covered conveyor belts to minimize emissions. The government is also encouraging the use of recycled construction waste as an alternative to fresh stone aggregates. Balancing industrial growth with ecological preservation remains a key challenge for Una's development planners moving forward.