Infrastructure Push Drives Mining Surge in Ernakulam
Granite building stone extraction is rapidly increasing across Ernakulam district. This trend raises serious environmental questions according to the latest district survey report on minor minerals.
The production of building stones, known locally as karinkallu, jumped by 8% between 2022-23 and 2023-24. Output climbed another 10% during 2024-25 alone. This steady growth shows no signs of slowing down.
Quarry Concentration in Eastern Regions
All active quarries in the district cluster in eastern areas. Mazhuvannur village under Kunnathunad taluk contains the most units at village level with six quarries. Muvattupuzha taluk hosts the highest overall concentration with twelve quarries operating within its boundaries.
Currently, forty-four building stone quarries operate across Ernakulam under leases or permits. The situation will likely intensify soon.
Approvals Signal Major Expansion
The mining and geology directorate has granted primary approval for sixty-two new building stone quarries. These letters of intent indicate significant expansion of quarrying operations in coming years.
This projected growth heightens worries about the district's environmental and ecological stability. Local resistance often leads to extended legal conflicts.
Thirteen-Year Battle in Kalloorkkad
Residents of Kalloorkkad village fought for thirteen years to stop a quarry on approximately five acres near Muvattupuzha town. Sajeev Kumar K S, a local resident, objects strongly to the proposed quarry.
"The site sits on steep, ecologically sensitive terrain with rich biodiversity," he explained. "This land is fragile. Quarrying here could trigger massive boulders toppling from higher elevations."
Several departments including mining and geology initially submitted reports opposing the quarry. Despite this, landowners attempt to proceed citing one crore rupees invested in land purchase. The case now awaits high court judgment.
Construction Demand Reaches One Million Tonnes
The survey report estimates Ernakulam's annual building stone demand at one million tonnes. A highly active construction sector drives this massive requirement.
Large infrastructure projects by agencies like the National Highways Authority of India and Kochi Metro Rail Ltd generate enormous demand for granite building stones and ordinary earth. This places considerable pressure on mining resources.
Quarry Locations Linked to Local Poverty
"Quarry locations connect closely to local poverty," noted an expert from the Kerala Forest Research Institute. "We urgently need scientific zoning to determine where quarrying can occur and where it must stop."
The expert emphasized that quarrying represents not just an ecological issue but a democratic one too. Mining lobbies influence electoral candidates and fund political parties according to his assessment.
Officials Cite Government Rules
Mining and geology officials state they issue quarry permits according to existing government regulations. They acknowledge mounting pressure on the district's hill regions however.
Officials specifically mentioned that NHAI requested permission to remove red earth from fifty locations in Ernakulam for its projects. This demonstrates the scale of infrastructure demands impacting local resources.
