Residents of eight villages in Kangra district have demanded the immediate closure of a stone crusher near Jawalamukhi, alleging that its operations have turned the area into a pollution hotspot and severely affected public health, livestock, agriculture and daily life.
Villagers from Jamna, Kutkashmir, Faked, Shidhpur, Gugaana, Jamuli, Chanan and Khebar in Jawalamukhi and Khundian tehsils recently submitted a joint memorandum to the District Magistrate in Dharamsala, seeking urgent intervention and action against the crusher unit.
According to the residents, the crusher was established without consultation with the affected villages. They alleged that the no-objection certificate (NOC) for the unit was granted by a nearby panchayat because the leased mining area technically falls under its jurisdiction, even though neighbouring villages located close to the site are bearing the brunt of the environmental and health impact.
Villagers claimed that the crusher was operating dangerously close to residential areas. In the memorandum, they stated that the unit is located barely 200 metres from Jamna village, while a gaushala in Kutkashmir village housing several cattle is situated around 150 metres from the site.
Residents alleged that dust clouds, smoke emissions, vibrations and persistent noise from the crusher and heavy vehicles had made life unbearable. They claimed that children, women and elderly residents were increasingly suffering from respiratory illnesses, allergies, eye irritation and other health problems due to prolonged exposure to pollution.
“The entire area remains covered in dust throughout the day. Elderly people and children are facing breathing problems, while crops and water sources are also being affected,” said Amar Chand, a resident associated with the protest.
Another villager, Jai Chand, alleged that the movement of overloaded trucks transporting mining material had severely damaged village roads and increased the risk of accidents.
“Heavy vehicles move continuously through narrow village roads from morning till evening. Roads have developed cracks and people are living in constant fear of accidents,” he said.
Kamlesh Kumari, another resident, expressed concern over the impact on livestock and agriculture.
“Dust from the crusher settles on fodder, crops and even drinking water sources. Cattle are also suffering because of the constant dust and noise pollution. This is affecting both farming and dairy activities,” she alleged.
Villagers further claimed that dust particles from the crusher were contaminating agricultural land and local water sources, posing a threat to crops, livestock and public health.
Demanding immediate intervention, the residents urged the district administration to impose a temporary halt on the crusher’s operations until an impartial inquiry into the alleged violations is completed. They also called for strict legal action if environmental norms were found to have been breached.
Warning of intensified protests, the villagers said that if the administration failed to take concrete action, residents of all eight villages would launch a large-scale agitation against the crusher unit in the coming days.
