Centre Rejects Quarry Proposals to Protect Western Ghats
In a significant move for environmental conservation, the Union government has rejected proposals for quarrying in the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats region. The decision comes amid growing concerns over the impact of mining activities on biodiversity, water resources, and local communities in the region. Environmentalists and local activists have long urged authorities to curb quarrying, warning that unregulated extraction could lead to soil erosion, deforestation, and disruption of fragile ecosystems. The Centre’s decision reflects an effort to balance developmental needs with ecological preservation, reinforcing legal protections for the Western Ghats, which is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Authorities noted that proposals failing to comply with environmental norms or threatening biodiversity would not be approved. The move has been welcomed by conservation groups, who say it underscores the government’s commitment to sustainable development. Experts also see it as a critical step in safeguarding the region against long-term ecological degradation.
