Kozhikode: Pebble stone mining has become rampant on river banks inside Kerala’s forest areas largely due to the inaction of the mining and geology department, which is supposed to monitor it.
The smugglers are cashing in on the huge demand for these stones in the landscaping of houses and apartments.
The stones are also being supplied in large quantities from other states, especially Gujarat. Sources told DC that most of the stock that comes to Kerala is sent by illegal miners.
“Local people collect the stones from the river banks and keep them in heaps at one place from where trucks carry them. Bigger black rocks are also being smuggled out,” Mr Thomas Cherian, a resident of Anakampoyil, told DC.
The local residents at the western tip of Kozhikode say that the pebble mining has been killing rivers and causing soil erosion.
“The pebble stones and rocks at the bottom and on the banks of rivers prevent soil erosion and protect our crops. Due to rampant mining, soil erosion has hit many areas near Iravanji river and Muthappan puzha,” Mr P.J. Jacob, another local resident, said.
Pebble stones are sold per kilogram rate. The miners supply them as polished and unpolished ones.
“Polished white stones are sold for Rs. 70 per kilogram and coloured stones for up to Rs 160 to 200 per kg. Unpolished stones fetch between Rs. 15 to Rs. 27 per kg,” a pebble stone supplier in Kozhikode said.
The pebble stone merchants in Kozhikode said they were getting the supply from different states, especially Gujarat. Suppliers sell pebbles from Kerala in many places saying that they are from other states to avoid legal action,” a trader said.
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