BAJAUR: The district administration has sealed 21 stone-crushing plants in Bajaur tribal district for operating without licences in and around residential areas.

A statement issued from the deputy commissioner’s office on Sunday said the action was taken in different areas of Mamond tehsil during the day supervised by assistant commissioner, Nawagai, Habiullah Khan Wazir.

It said before launching the crackdown on Saturday, the administration had held meetings with the owners, telling them to obtain no objection certificates (NOCs) and shift away from residential areas within four days, but to no avail.

The statement added that the administration again gave them a two-day deadline for the purpose, which was also not honoured, thus inviting the action.

The statement said two teams had been formed for the action against the illegal stone-crushing plants.

It said eliminating such plants had become a challenge for the administration as they posed a serious threat to the lives of residents and their environment.

However, owners complained that the administration did not inform them before launching the action.

Published in Dawn, February 15th, 2021