Mining mafia attempts to operate quarry during lockdown, sealed by collector

A granite quarry which was not a government approved establishment was put back into operation by the mining mafia during the lockdown. Alert locals and the administration have managed to put a stop to their activities

Idukki: A granite quarry sealed earlier by the district administration in the beginning of the lockdown was put back into operation secretly by the owners. They set up a parallel gate at the facility and managed to get all mining equipment inside. Just before they were about to operate, the locals intervened and informed the collector who swung into action and closed the quarry and sealed it again.

The private quarry licensed to Kuzhikkattil Granites, was in operation, flouting all the norms and posed grave danger to locals. The quarry was earlier closed and sealed off by the collector after repeated complaints from locals. The quarry owners were trying to restart mining when the district administration was busy managing the COVID-19 spread.

They were trying to make use of the recent government order authorising approved quarries to operate. But since this quarry was not an approved one, the order was not applicable to the firm. But they were still trying to operate the quarry and start mining activities. The locals tipped off district authorities about the move and the collector intervened to take necessary action.