Challenges and Solutions in Establishing a Stone Crusher in India

Stone crushing industry is an important industrial sector in the country engaged in producing crushed stone of various sizes depending upon the requirement which acts as raw material for various construction activities such as construction of roads, highways, bridges, buildings, canals etc. It is estimated that there are over 12,000 stone crusher units in India. The number is expected to grow further keeping in view the future plans for development of infrastructure of roads, canals and buildings that are required for the overall development of the country.

The stone crusher industry in India is highly polluted due to air, water and noise pollution. The stone industry though engaged in the production of stone dust which is an ingredient for various construction activities; it causes serious environmental pollution which needs to be mitigated at all costs.

Challenges faced by stone crusher industry

The stone crusher industry is not entitled for exemption under Section 80-IBA of the Income Tax Act, 1961 which is available to other industries. With similar problems being faced by the stone industry, tax analysts feel that this exemption needs to be extended.

The stone crushers association challenged the 1998 order of the high court in the Supreme Court. It upheld the order on March 9, 1999 and directed the closure of all the 18 stone crushers operating in the area.

However, the industry continues to flourish unabated despite the Supreme Court's order. This is due to the fact that a majority of the stone crushers operate illegally and the authorities do not take adequate measures to tackle this issue.

Another challenge faced by the stone crusher industry is the difficulty of obtaining environmental clearance. A Public Interest Litigation filed in the Supreme Court in 2011 demanding the closure of all stone crushers in the state within a specified time period. This litigation was later transferred to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) which has been dealing with it ever since.

Solutions in establishing a stone crusher in India

The government claims it is implementing various measures and policies to curb illegal mining, but the ground reality tells a different story. It is important for the government to take stricter actions against those who flout the law and engage in illegal mining practices.

There should be a systematic approach to grant environmental clearances to stone crushing units. The government should ensure that the process of obtaining clearances is transparent and time-bound.

The stone crusher industry should also be regulated and monitored by a regulatory authority. The existing regulatory framework, such as the Pollution Control Board, should be strengthened and capacitated to effectively monitor and control the stone crusher industry.

It is also important to create awareness among the stone crusher industry about the importance of adopting environmentally friendly practices. This can be done through workshops, seminars, and training programs.

In conclusion, establishing a stone crusher in India can be a challenging task, but it is not impossible. With proper planning and dedication, the industry can be successfully established and contribute to the growth and development of the country, while also ensuring its sustainable growth.

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