Ker Govt to take action against illegal quarries

Stringent action would be taken against quarries operating in Kerala without due licence from the Pollution Control Board, Power Minister Aryada Mohammed told the state Assembly today.
According to an assembly committee report, more than 500 quarries were operating without licence across the state. The government would conduct an examination of these quarries and take action if found to be operating illegally, he said to a submission on the issue by T N Prathapan (Cong).
Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said police would in no way support the activites of illegal quarry owners.
'Instructions have been given to police officers that they should not help such activities', he added.

Prathapan said illegal quarries operating across the state were creating environment pollution and wanted the government to take action against them.
Local people especially women were on agitation path at near by Mukkunnimala demanding closure of illegal stone quarry working in that area.
CPI-M veteran V S Achuthanandan had recently visited the agitating people and extended support to their cause.