Despite order, illegal hot mix plant still in operation

Jangalu (Hamirpur), May 20
While the State Pollution Control Board has asked the SDM, Nadaun, to close down an illegal hot mix plant, being run by an influential contractor for the last three months, the administration has failed to take any action in the matter, leaving the complainants helpless.
The hot mix plant located near Jangalu village under Man panchayat of Nadaun subdivision was running as usual billowing black smoke in the area when this journalist visited the spot today.
The owner of this hot mix plant Sandeep Chauhan has not obtained mandatory NOCs from the Pollution Control Board, the PWD and local panchayat and villagers said no measures had been taken to check the pollution.
The peeved villagers met the SDM Nadaun several times but no action was taken in this matter.
Later, on their complaint the XEN, the Pollution Control Board, Una, Brij Bhushan, under whose jurisdiction this area falls, had made an on-the-spot inspection on May 10 and asked the SDM to close down this plant through a letter dated May 11 (copy of which is with the Tribune).
Shiama Devi, president of Man panchayat, told The Tribune, “This plant has become a nuisance in the area and is being run without the NOC from the panchayat.”
Another villager told, “Our fruit orchards and vegetables grown near the plant are getting damaged due to black smoke and dust.”
Interestingly, the PWD authorities despite knowing the fact that this plant is being run illegally, are still buying the material from this plant.
SDM RR Verma said, “It is not in my notice.” DC Hamirpur Rajinder Singh Thakur said, “I will look into the matter and ask the SDM to take necessary action.”.