Varkala MLA raises alarm over proposed quarry on hilltop in Pallikkal at Legislative Assembly

A proposed rock quarry project on nearly 11.94 hectares of government revenue land on a popular hilltop in the Pallikkal village of Varkala sparked concerns in the Legislative Assembly on Monday. Varkala MLA, V. Joy, highlighted the ramifications of the project that is proposed to be undertaken on the Erattil Vallabhankunnu hilltop, and warned that the activity could have serious implications to the environment, drinking water and tourism .

Raising the issue through a submission, Mr. Joy said permission had been granted to two private entities for quarrying in the area. The local grama panchayat granted approval by citing a court directive. “However, the Thiruvananthapuram Collector subsequently reviewed the matter and cancelled the no-objection certificate (NOC) granted for quarrying,” he said, while adding the quarry operators had again approached the court in an attempt to revive the project.

Ecological significance

The MLA highlighted the ecological significance of the area. He pointed out that the hilltop lies along the boundary between Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts, with Chadayamangalam on the opposite side. He said the Pallikkal river, an important source of drinking water for both districts, flows along the rocky terrain below the hilltop proposed for quarrying.

Mr. Joy cautioned that blasting and quarrying on the hilltop could disrupt the river’s natural course, threaten drinking water sources and increase the risk of flooding along its banks. Moreover, the site is also considered a tourism destination famous for its panoramic sunrise and sunset views. Its significance and features are often compared to the famous Jatayu rock hill.

The legislator urged the State government not to permit mining activities in the ecological sensitive and scenic area. He also requested the Industries Minister to convene a meeting of the officials concerns and adopt immediate steps to permanently prevent quarrying at the site.

Replying to the submission, Industries and IT Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty said the applicants had spent several months obtaining the required clearances and NOCs before approaching the court. At the same time, the Minister acknowledged the seriousness of the concerns raised by the Varkala MLA. He said that if the land was indeed of critical importance to drinking water conservation, tourism and other environmentally sensitive aspects, there was no question of allowing quarrying there. “The issues pointed out will be examined in detail. After verifying such concerns, necessary directions would be issued to the Department of Mining and Geology for appropriate action,” he added.