Centre seeks report on quarries in the state
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New Delhi: The Central government has sought details of quarries and mining activities in Kerala. The Centre has decided not to sanction new requests seeking permission for new quarries and mining in the state until it files the report.
The Centre's action follows a general perception which apprehends that unlimited quarry and mining activities have intensified troubles in the recent flood havoc.
As the term of the State Level Environment Impact Assesment Authority (SEIAA) has expired, a few of the applications seeking permission for new quarries have come up before the central environment ministry. These applications are now withheld. The Centre has sought the report as the number of applications for quarry permission has increased recently. As there are no detailed report on the quarries, the Central government cannot take immediate action.
Meanwhile, the Environment Ministry has initiated steps to republish the draft notification for the protection of Western Ghats. National Green Tribunal had directed to renew the draft without any alteration in the current expanse. It also had directed publication of the final notification within six months.