Court moved against illegal crushers

ABBOTTABAD:

At least 19 residents from three villages in Tehsil Lora, Abbottabad, have filed a writ petition in the Peshawar High Court, challenging the illegal installation of crushing machines in their area.

The petition aims to protect the environment and local livelihoods threatened by these operations.

Represented by advocate Obaidur Rehman Abbasi, the petitioners named 14 defendants, including government officials and crushing machine owners, demanding the immediate closure of the machines. The machines, installed in violation of laws, are destroying mountains and forests while endangering nearby populations.

The villages of Gurini, Kyari, and Lora have suffered due to increased stone blasting and deforestation, particularly after a recent landslide on Thandiani Road. Previous landslides had already affected the region's water supply from the Haro River.

The petitioners emphasise they are not against the crushing business but object to the illegal permissions granted, which are harmful to both the environment and human health. Advocate Abbasi criticised the administration and provincial government for conducting biased surveys favouring machine owners.

Residents warn that without intervention, the area could face a disaster similar to the Attaabad landslide.