GILGIT: Fourteen stone crushing units operating illegally within the limits of Gilgit municipality were closed down here on Friday.

Meanwhile, the five stone crushing plants operating outside the municipal limits have been asked to obtain an NOC from the GB Environmental Protection Agency (GBEPA) within a week, or get closed.

The action was taken jointly by GBEPA and local administration officials. The stone crushing units were operating at locations along the Karakoram Highway and Kargha Nullah near the residential areas.

Director GBEPA Shahzad Hasan Shigri told Dawn operation of stone crushing plants within populated areas and near mountains was not allowed under the law. He said such an activity created environmental hazards. Blasting of rocks and excavation is making mountain bases weak, resulting in falling stones and landslides in rainy days, which oftentimes cause havoc in residential areas, he explained.

Mr Shigri said stone crushing created another environmental problem in the shape of dust and noise pollution, which were dangerous for human health.

He said operation had been launched against stone crushing units near the populated areas.

“Stone crushing plants are operating near Kargha Nullah, which is a source of drinking water for the Gilgit city, and also hub of trophy hunting,” he maintained.

Replying a question, the GBEPA official said the stone crushing plants operating outside populated areas were being allowed only after they obtained an NOC from the GB Environmental Protection Agency.

Mr Shigri said operation against plants operating near residential areas in other parts of the region would also be launched soon. “A survey is being conducted for the purpose,” he added.

In 2010, he said the GB Supreme Appellate had also taken suo motu notice of illegal stone crushing in Gilgit city, adding fulfilling the court orders, the GBEPA had then shut down 15 such plants.

Published in Dawn, February 21st, 2016