Local bodies to approve soil excavation for house building

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The soil excavation process for the construction of houses under 3000 square feet will need approval from local self-government bodies. Earlier it was the geology department that approved the process which was nothing less than a long tedious run for people in the state. The new reforms will be a relief for the people and will come into effect from today.

The fees for soil excavation can be easily paid online to the geology department. Minister P Rajeeve confirmed about the government doing all necessary steps to abide by the reforms. The minister also said that soil excavation during emergencies akin to a calamity need not require any approval from the geology department.

• Quarry permit has been changed from one to three years.
• Illegal mining fees will be four-fold of the royalty
• Quarry more than one hector in area will have a license period of 15 years
• Drone facility to inspect quarries
• Special squads to find illegal mining
• 15 assistant geologists posts confirmed