The functioning of a giant granite quarry at Thekkumala in Vadasserikkara panchayat, without obtaining the mandatory licence from the local self-government institution, has evoked strong protest.
The grama panchayat secretary has submitted a report to the Circle Inspector of Police stating that the quarry was functioning without licence from March 31.
Western Ghats Protection Council (WGPC) leader Avinash Paleenazhikathu told The Hindu that as many as 800 loads of granite were being smuggled out from Thekkumala on a daily basis for the past 36 days.
Mr. Avinash alleged that the rules were being violated with tacit support of the officials attached to the Revenue, Police, and the Mining and Geology Departments.
The council would soon submit a petition to Vigilance Director Vinson M. Paul. Thiruvalla Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) A. Gopakumar had inspected the quarry on April 3, 2013, on the directions of District Collector V.N. Jithendran.
RDO’ report
The RDO had submitted his inspection report to the Collector on April 6, 2013, stating that a major portion of the giant quarry comprised poromboke land. The RDO had recommended a detailed survey of the quarry, assessment of the extent of encroachment, and the volume of quarried granite. Ironically, the survey team had identified encroachment only upon 24 cents, in sharp contrast to the statements in the RDO’s inspection report, Mr. Avinash alleged.
