Stone Quarries Boom in Western Ghats After Sand Mining Ban

In Kerala, India, a ban on river sand mining to protect the environment has led to a big increase in stone quarries in the Western Ghats.

The ban was put in place to stop the harmful effects of sand mining, like lowering groundwater levels and disrupting streams.

But instead of using river sand, people started using manufactured sand (M-sand) made from crushing rocks.

This has led to more quarrying in the Western Ghats, which is a very important and biodiverse area.

The study found that many quarries have grown a lot, especially near protected areas.

This growth is causing problems like loud noises, dust, and vibrations that harm wildlife and people living nearby.

Experts say that the rules for quarrying need to be stricter, especially in sensitive areas, to protect the environment.