NGT directs Punjab to detail enforcement of new crusher regulation law

Chandigarh: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Punjab govt to share details within three weeks outlining the enforcement mechanism and provisions under the recently enacted Punjab Regulation of Crusher Units, Stockists and Retailers Act, 2025, and the Punjab Minor Mineral (First Amendment) Rules, 2025.

During the hearing of the case, the additional chief secretary (planning, justice and mining) informed the NGT that the new legislation and rules were notified to regulate crusher operations across the state.

The additional chief secretary appeared before the NGT bench comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava (chairperson) and Dr A Senthil Vel (expert member) through video conference. The ACS stated that a comprehensive affidavit containing details of the Act and Rules would be filed within three weeks.

The state govt, in its affidavit dated Aug 28, reported that 90 FIRs were registered since Jan 1, 2023, in Pathankot and Gurdaspur districts against illegal mining activities under Section 21 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.

Between January 2023 and May 2025, the govt issued 405 challans under Rules 74 and 75 of the Punjab Minor Mineral Rules , 2013, recovering Rs 5.88 crore from vehicle owners found violating the regulations.

The affidavit also stated that nine crusher units in Pathankot and Gurdaspur districts had their registrations suspended for non-compliance with the Crusher Policy, 2023.

The counsel for the applicant, however, argued that the state's submissions did not provide complete details about the action still pending. The Tribunal allowed the applicant to submit additional material within three weeks specifying areas where further action was required. The matter has been listed for further hearing on Dec 1.

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