By TC News Desk
Agartala, 13th March 2025: Allegations have surfaced against stone crusher machine owners in Bagbasa and Kurti-Kadamtala assembly areas for operating without adhering to the guidelines of the Forest Department and the Pollution Control Board. Reports suggest that these businesses, allegedly shielded by the ruling party, have been running unchecked for years, contributing to significant environmental degradation.
According to an incident report, there are approximately 21 crusher machines and over 150 stone-crushing quarries in these regions. It is alleged that the owners of these establishments have not sought necessary permissions from the District Magistrate’s office, nor have they complied with environmental regulations. The unregulated operations of these machines and quarries have reportedly caused widespread pollution in the area.
After years of inaction, the Forest Department finally intervened last December. In an effort to address the issue, Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma convened an awareness meeting with crusher machine owners at the Dharmanagar District Magistrate’s Office. The meeting was attended by officials including Bagbasa MLA Jadav Lal Nath, Kurti MLA Islam Uddin, Secretary of the Science Technology and Environment Department Dr. K. Shashi Kumar, Member Secretary of the State Pollution Control Board Bishu Karmakar, former District Magistrate Debapriyavardhan, District Forest Officer Suman Malla, and other senior officials.
During the meeting, Minister Debbarma and senior officials from the Forest, Environment, and Pollution Control Departments urged the stone traders to comply with government regulations and conduct their businesses responsibly. The discussions emphasized the importance of adhering to environmental guidelines to mitigate the adverse effects of unregulated quarrying and crushing activities.
