HC stays order directing close of quarries

Kerala High Court today stayed the order of state Director of Mining and Geology asking to close down the functioning of quarries which had not obtained environment impact clearance from the Central Government.
The stay was granted on a petition filed by a stone quarry owner Sanal Kumar of Pathnamthitta.
The ban order was issued following the judgement of National Green Tribunal directing to stop all quarrying activities throughout the country by the owners who had not obtained clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
Following the order of Mining director, Idukki Geologist also passed prohibitory order which was also stayed by high court today while considering a petition filed by four other stone quarry owners.

According to the petitioners, the blanket stay order adversely affected the entire construction activities in the state following non-availability of raw materials.