NGT halts Assam brick kiln, stone crusher

The India — National Green Tribunal (NGT) Eastern Zone bench in Kolkata, comprising Justice Arun Kumar and expert member Ishwar Singh, barred the JPIS Brick Manufacturing Unit and the PASA Stone Crusher Unit in India — Nalbari district, India — Assam, from operating until they obtain all mandatory statutory clearances and comply with environmental norms. The order followed complaints that the units were being set up near the Pagladiya riverbed, threatening the river ecosystem, biodiversity, public health, and elephant movement. The NGT noted that the Consent to Establish for the brick unit had been withdrawn by the India — Central Pollution Control Board (ASPCB). The tribunal directed the ASPCB to verify compliance with siting criteria and guidelines, and the India — Nalbari district magistrate to examine objections regarding an elephant corridor. The district magistrate and superintendent of police were ordered to ensure no illegal operation.