More stone, more revenue, but at what cost? Granite mining push deepens ecological concerns in Kerala's Ernakulam district

NHAI, Metro Projects Add Pressure On Dist’s Mining ZonesKOCHI: Raising fresh environmental concerns, the extraction of granite building stone, locally known as karinkallu, is steadily increasing in Ernakulam district, according to the latest district survey report (DSR) on minor minerals. The report shows that the production of building stones rose by 8% between 2022–23 and 2023– 24. This upward trend continued in 2024–25, with output registering a further 10% increase within a year. The DSR notes that all operational quarries in the district are concentrated in the eastern regions. Mazhuvannur village under Kunnathunad taluk hosts the highest number of units at the village level, with six quarries functioning within its limits. However, Muvattupuzha taluk has the largest concentration overall, with 12 quarries operating within the taluk boundaries.At present, 44 building stone quarries, operating either under leases or permits, are active across the district. The report, however, warns of a sharp escalation in quarrying activity in the coming years. As many as 62 new building stone quarries have already received primary approval from the mining and geology directorate in the form of letters of intent, signalling a significant expansion of quarrying operations. This projected growth has intensified concerns over the district’s environmental and ecological stability. Local resistance to quarrying, however, often turns into prolonged legal battles. In Kalloorkkad, a village located a few kilometres from Muvattupuzha town, residents fought for 13 years to prevent a quarry from operating on around five acres of land.Raising objections to the proposed quarry, Sajeev Kumar K S, a local resident, said the site is located on steep and ecologically sensitive terrain with rich biodiversity. “The land is fragile, and quarrying here could trigger the toppling of massive boulders from higher elevations,” he said. According to him, several departments, including mining and geology, initially gave favourable reports opposing the quarry. “Despite this, the landowners are attempting to proceed with the quarry, citing an investment of Rs 1 crore to purchase the land. The case is now before the high court,” he added.The survey report estimates Ernakulam’s annual demand for building stones at one million tonnes, driven by a highly active construction sector. It also acknowledges that large infrastructure projects undertaken by agencies such as the National Highways Authority of India and Kochi Metro Rail Ltd have generated enormous demand for granite building stones and ordinary earth, placing considerable pressure on mining resources.“The location of quarries is closely linked to local poverty,” said anexpert from the Kerala Forest Research Institute. “There is an urgent need for scientific zoning to determine where quarrying can be permitted and where it should be prohibited,” he said, adding that quarrying is not just an ecological issue, but also a democratic one, as mining lobbies influence electoral candidates andfund political parties.Mining and geology officials maintain that quarry permits are issued in accordance with existing govt rules. However, they acknowledged mounting pressure on the district’s hill regions, pointing out that NHAI has sought permission to remove red earth from 50 locations in Ernakulam for its projects.