SC junks plea against ban on stone crushers

Haridwar: Supreme Court dismissed a plea by 33 stone crusher operators challenging Uttarakhand HC's order to shut down 48 crushing units operating within 5km of Ganga between Raiwala and Bhogpur in Haridwar, reinforcing the enforcement of a ruling that aims to protect the river from industrial degradation, reports M S Nawaz.

"We are not inclined to interfere with the impugned judgment and order passed by the HC. The special leave petition is, accordingly, dismissed," SC said in its order.On July 30, HC had directed the immediate closure of all 48 units in the restricted zone and instructed disconnection of electricity and water supply. The court also sought an action-taken report from the administration, listing Sept 12 for next hearing.In response, Haridwar district authorities sealed 35 units by Aug 1 & blocked online transport portals for remaining operators.