The decision to allow large scale export of granite is likely to trigger the illegal quarrying in Kerala. The granites will be exported to Maldives through Beypore airport while reports say that the state itself is in shortage of granite for its construction needs.
Environmental activist and lawyer Harish Vasudevan told Times of India that the move would lead to further quarrying in the Western Ghats.
“Kerala doesn't have surplus stock of granite. Even if quarrying continues at the current rate to meet local needs for the next ten years, we would have to bear a higher cost of environmental degradation,” he said.
The report also says that this week almost 2500 tonnes of granites will be exported from Beypore port.
Vasudevan says that the licensed quarries in some of the districts will not have enough production for export as they can produce only 20000 to 30000 tonnes per year.
The report points out that according to Kerala State Mineral Policy 2009, export and transportation of minerals to other states would be permitted for only those minerals which were surplus in the state, and granite doesn’t fall under this category.
