Green Tribunal order: Vizhinjam project could come to standstill as quarries close one by one

KOLLAM: As the Green Tribunal increased the distance limit of quarries from populated areas, the quarries have started closing one by one. Earlier, 12,000 to 15,000 tonnes of rock had been brought in per day for the construction of groyne. It has now dropped to 5,000 tonnes.

The first phase of port construction was to be completed by mid-2018. But it hasn't even reached 60 percent yet. Construction work on the building, main gate, road, backup yard and belt piling, is about 80 percent complete. But groyne (pulimuttu) construction stands at 30 percent. Only after it is completed, ships can reach the shore by forming a ship channel. The state government had directed the district administrations to expedite the licensing process of 18 quarries in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts to resolve the issue. But so far only three quarries have been licensed. Even though the rock was brought from Tamil Nadu, it was not enough.

Seeking government intervention...

It is estimated that groyne will be completed by December 2022 if 15,000 tonnes of rock is made avaiable per day. At present, this will take another year. Extra rocks cannot be obtained from the three quarries currently being mined. If the government does not intervene to override the Green Tribunal order, the Vizhinjam project will come to a standstill.

Groyne construction: 30%

Used rock: 15 lakh tonnes

What is needed now: 55 lakh tonnes

The current problem

• According to the Minor Mineral Construction Act of 2015, the distance limit of quarries from houses is 50 meters.
• Last July, the National Green Tribunal increased the distance to 200 meters.
• 90 percent of the quarries in the state are inoperable.
• Quarry owners are set to move the high court.
• The High Court said that the order of the Green Tribunal is applicable to the renewal of licenses and the commencement of new ones.
• Mining permit for quarries up to one hectare for one year and for leased quarries above one hectare for five years
• License renewal is not being allowed. New quarries are not allowed as the 200-meter distance limit is not met.