TAXILA: The district administration, environment and mines and mineral departments in a joint operation sealed 37 stone crushing plants in Hassanabdal on Tuesday.

During the operation, which lasted for eight hours, illegal quarrying of limestone in 46.03 acres hilly area of Pathargarh and Babarki was also suspended.

“We have sealed all the 37 stone crushing plants in the vicinity of Pathargarh and Babarki. Besides, Iesco authorities are being directed to suspend the power supply to these plants,” said Assistant Commissioner Adnan Anjum Raja while talking to newsmen.

He said the local administration in collaboration with other authorities carried out the operation against the stone crushers as they were causing serious threats to the environment.

He said Punjab Mines and Minerals Department had auctioned the limestone block comprising 46.03 acres in 2006. The 10-year lease of quarrying expired in 2016 but the holders went to court for stay of the lease which was decided in 2017 and the assistant director mines and minerals Attock told these stone crushers to stop quarrying of limestone.

But they continued their activities though issuance of a no-objection certificate (NOC) is still pending with the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) Punjab.

Mr Raja said the local administration also took notice of persons with dubious identity who were carrying out mining activities as well as using explosives in the vicinity of the cadet college Hassanabdal.

“The principal of the college has also expressed his reservation over the activities and taken up the issue to the governor.”

Responding a question, Mr Raja said keeping in view the sensitivity of the area and the threat to ecosystem as well as environment, the mines and minerals department has already stopped the auction of limestone lease in the area and local administration would not allow any stone crusher plant to operate in the area.

He said these stone crushers would only be allowed to carry out quarrying after getting proper lease from the mines and minerals department and NOC from the environment department.

Published in Dawn, July 8th, 2020