Around 226 exploration licenses and mining leases have been granted to private companies and investors for various minerals in Malakand Division.

Locals put up a barricade on the main entrance of Maddhapara Granite Mining Company Ltd yesterday to press home their five-point demands

Average rainfall in district has come down drastically

Thally situated 1000 metres above sea level, surrounded by valleys and cliffs, was once called ‘Little England’ by the erstwhile British rulers due to its salubrious weather prevailing round-the-year. But, it has lost its charm during the past seven - eight years which is a cause for concern, say farmers.

PRP Exports is currently facing charges of illegal quary operations in Tamil Nadu

The Supreme Court has dismissed a Special Leave Petition filed by PRP Exports, the granite company which is facing charges of illegal quarry operations in Tamil Nadu, seeking the apex court to allow the company to operate the quarries in accordance with the licenses already granted.

Judgement of the Supreme Court of India in the matter of M/s PRP Exports & Others Vs The Chief Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu & Others dated 13/12/2013 regarding unauthorized quarrying of granite in Therkkutheru Village, Madurai District.

Original Source: http://judis.nic.in/supremecourt/imgs1.aspx?filename=41084

Judgement of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of M/s. Sree Divya Granites Bangalore Vs The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board Bangalore dated 06/12/2013 regarding closure

As the construction sector grows, illegal sand and granite mining can only be expected to increase. From what can be seen until now, honest officers who have taken action against the sand mafia in their respective districts in different states have either been transferred or suspended. The politician-sand mafia nexus must be broken in order to protect the environment and prevent huge revenue loss.

No government could implement projects such as the proposed airport at Aranmula disregarding public sentiments against it, especially in aspects of nature conservation, food security and socio-huma

V. S. Vijayan, member, Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP), has said that it was evident that vested interests were behind those opposing the Madhav Gadgil report.

The decision of the Ministry of Environment and Forest to declare 60,000 sq km of the Western Ghats, which covers 44 districts in six states, as ecologically sensitive area, has evoked protest from

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