Within hours after V S Achuthanadan’s visit to the P C Granite Quarry in Nellappara, Moonnilavu, Shaun George, who is a partner of the firm, called for a press meet at Erattupetta TB. He gave copies of several documents to mediapersons like the Pollution Control Board certificate, Mining and Geology Permit, Explosive Licence and Panchayat Licence for the quarry.
He also produced a copy of the report submitted by the commission appointed by the Pala Sub-court to study the issue regarding the quarry on the basis of a plea filed by Leena Thankachan, who resides near the quarry.
“Two of the families that live nearly 150 metres away from the quarry had moved the court against us. The court issued a stay order, and the work at the quarry was stopped for the last one-and-a-half months. We have all the required documents to run the quarry, and are of the view that the commission’s report is also not against us. There is nothing illegal happening at the quarry,” he claimed.
He added that he and his partners had presented their part before the court and are expecting a favourable court decision on September 15.
“We have not forcefully bought any land from anyone. The 7.6 acres of land in which the quarry operates is in the name of Joshi Joshia, and he is an ST. He also has 20 per cent share in our firm,” he said. However, he expressed concern over private individuals buying 50 to 100 acres of land in the region with an aim to start quarries.
“We began the work for setting up a quarry and a crusher nearly two years ago, and there was no such opposition then. But after the quarry started functioning in February, there were protests, and I suspect the hand of some interested parties behind the protest,” he said.