Approvals for quarries in ecologically sensitive areas raise concerns among Kerala Greens

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Greens have expressed deep concern over the approval of quarries in ecologically sensitive areas in the state, alleging that uncontrolled blasting could potentially trigger landslides. They highlighted the presence of numerous quarries in Meppadi and Muppainad panchayats of Wayanad, which are classified as red zones. Recently, the controversial reopening of a granite quarry at Valathur, just 2 km away from Mundakkai, had further triggered unrest.

N Badusha, president of Wayanad Prakrithi Samrakshana Samithi, expressed shock at the rapid reclassification of zones from red to green. “We are astonished by the speed of these zoning changes. There seems to be a mafia involved in facilitating this process. Quarries are being sanctioned in areas where even residential permits are extremely difficult to obtain,” he said.

The regulations state that no quarry can be allowed within 50 metres of a house. In Valathur, one house is within 45 metres, with several others within 60 metres. Environmentalists allege that the lone homeowner was intimidated by the quarry operator to avoid complaints.

Officials from the Geological Survey of India and the Mining and Geology Department have also raised concerns about political pressure to approve quarries. “We designate zones as red based on thorough studies, but political interventions often push for these zones to be reclassified as green. We are pressured to downplay the risks to address livelihood concerns,” an official said.