THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) on Thursday decided to allow only non-electrical blasting for quarries which will be sanctioned henceforth. There will be a ban on the use of eclectic detonators in the new quarries.
The environment clearance for the new projects will be subject to the compliance of the condition of using non-electrical detonators. The decision was taken at the 97th meeting SEIAA held here on Thursday.
At present electric detonators are being used extensively in quarries across the state.
Sources said a complete ban on the use of electric detonators will be enforced for all quarries soon across the state. The decision will be taken after holding discussions with all stakeholders in the coming days.
The decision has been taken in the wake of wake of huge destruction of life and property caused in the recent devastating floods particularly due to landslides. Over 70 persons died in landslides in Malappuram and Wayanad districts. “We always take precautionary measures. The quarries near ecologically fragile areas are seen as one of the reasons for the landslides,” sources said.
According to experts, the vibration caused by electric detonators is similar to mild tremors. The vibration occurs between soil and rock. Recurring vibrations loosen the soil, water gets into the cracks and the whole area caves in. In many sites, unqualified blasters are being deployed which is adding to the problem. Qualified blasters are equipped to take a call on the mode of blasting suitable for a particular area.
The ballistic vibrations from electric detonators go up to 500 to 600 meters. It causes disturbance to wild life, human beings and cracks in buildings.
