Goa stone crushers: CCTVs mandatory, GSPCB approval required

The state environment department has issued guidelines to stone crushing units, advising them to take measures to prevent or suppress dust emissions. According to the guidelines, it is recommended that CCTV systems, with a minimum of 30 days data storage, be installed at the entrance and all corners of the premises. Additionally, the guidelines suggest planting 2-3 rows of tall trees on the periphery of the crusher and ensuring that vehicles carrying any material are completely covered. The guidelines further state that stone crusher units should operate only from 6 am to 10 pm to avoid causing inconvenience to nearby residents. It is emphasised that these units must obtain consent to establish (CTE) and consent to operate (CTO) from the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB). Any new crushers are permitted to operate only in dedicated crusher zones, following the sitting policies of GSPCB. The guidelines specify that the crusher should be fully enclosed by GI/MS sheets on top and on at least three sides from the ground level. For primary crushers or jaw crushers, it is required that they be covered with tarpaulin, cotton cloth, or suitable materials to contain fugitive dust emissions. Water sprinkling with an adequately designed nozzle should be provided during the unloading of raw materials, and sprinklers should also be installed on approach roads. To address environmental concerns, the guidelines dictate that all open stockpiles for aggregates above 5mm in size should be kept sufficiently wet, while stockpiles of aggregates less than 5mm in size should be covered to prevent wind carrying them. The guidelines further recommend the construction of a wind-breaking wall (GI/MS/brick wall) along the crusher's periphery, with a height three feet more than the highest node of the crusher. Metalled/concrete roads are advised within the premises, and both ramps and the entire ground area inside the premises should be metalled, as per the guidelines.