NGT forms panel to study effect of quarrying in State

7-member panel to look into impact of vibrations on soil strata, buildings, humans, wildlife

The granite quarries in Kerala may have to wait longer for further licensing. Also the order of the Mining and Geology Directorate of Kerala dated November 29, 2021, to permit quarries if the nearest residence is more than 50 metres away from it, stands cancelled, with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) forming a seven-member committee on Friday to study the effects of stone quarrying in the State.

The committee was formed following the directions of the Supreme Court a month ago, citing that the tribunal should give a fair chance to the quarry owners as well to present their point of view. The committee consists of officials from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), The Indian Institute of Mines/ IIT Dhanbad, Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CIMFR), Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), Roorkee, IIT Roorkee, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun and Directorate General of Mines Safety, Government of India.