Pacolli announces measures against stone crushers: 7 halt operations, 3 fined 7,000 euros

The Environmental Inspectorate has taken action against stone-crushing operators found to be operating outside the rules and legal requirements.

Fitore Pacolli, acting Minister of Environment and Spatial Planning, announced that operations at seven stone-crushing sites had been halted, while three operators had been fined a total of 7,000 euros.

The inspections that led to these measures were carried out in Gjilan, Han i Elezit, Shtime, Suharekë, Mitrovicë, Viti, Lipjan and Prishtinë.

Pacolli said that the inspection process for stone crushers had begun in March. Operators were given 15 days to provide evidence that their activities complied with the law and environmental criteria.

The documentation submitted by around 200 stone-crushing operators was reviewed in April by an external commission engaged by the Ministry. According to the data made public, a considerable number of operators did not meet the legal requirements.

In August alone, work stoppages were ordered at 16 stone-crushing sites.

The Environmental Inspectorate continues to carry out daily field inspections and has warned that the checks will continue. Any operator that violates the law, pollutes the environment or fails to meet the established standards will face punitive measures.

Pacolli stressed that the protection of the environment, land, water and air remains non-negotiable, declaring that no one’s interests will be allowed to take precedence over the damage caused to Kosovo’s environment.