Regulate quarrying: Eco forum

‘Implement promises in LDF poll manifesto in view of recent floods’

Janakeeyam, a collective of environmental and RTI activists formed recently, has demanded that the State government carry out the promises made by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in its election manifesto on regulating quarrying in the State, in view of the recent floods and landslips.

Members of the collective, including environmentalists S. Babuji, C.R. Neelakandan and others who have been part of various environment-related movements across the State, on Sunday visited Mukkunnimala, which has been carved away over the past few years by various quarrying units.

Two promises

Activists said that the LDF had in its manifesto made two promises regarding quarrying — that quarrying will be allowed only after carrying out detailed scientific studies of its impact and government takeover of all quarrying.

“It has been three years since the Left Democratic Government government took charge, but there has been no move to implement this. The State has over the past two years witnessed unprecedented floods. Much of the loss of life and destruction of property have been caused by the after-effects of environmental plunder. The ruling party as well as the opposition have been silent regarding all this. Those protesting against environmental exploitation are being jailed using black laws. The government has also liberalised quarrying laws, allowing the functioning of quarries up to 50 metres of residences. There is a need for a people’s resistance against this exploitation of natural resources,” said Mr. Neelakandan.

Mr. Babuji said that over 5,700 quarries were functioning across the State, while 300 were functioning in Thiruvananthapuram, including around 50 in Mukkunnimala.

‘Impose fines’

“In addition to the implementation of their promises in the manifesto, we are also demanding a reworking of the Kerala Minor Mineral Concession Rules. Practices like one time permit and consolidated payment should be ended. The volume of the rocks being extracted through quarrying across the State needs to be calculated and a fine amount imposed, which can be used for rebuilding activities,” said Mr. Babuji.

The collective will be organising a day-long protest in front of the Secretariat on September 3 raising these demands.