Latest News

Indian government body to take an "iron hand" to illegal granite quarrying in Madurai

The government crackdown on illegal quarrying in the Madurai region of India remains ongoing, and according to a report in the Business Standard, the Tamil Nadu government has told Madras High Court that it was dealing with illegal granite quarrying "with an iron hand." It has also sought to dismiss a plea seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the issue.

According to the report, the district collector had formed 18 teams to detect seven types of violations. Inspection began on August 2, and they have included the use of unmanned aerial vehicles. The Business Standard reports that out of 175 quarries in the region, 166 quarries had been inspected. Of those, violations such as encroachments on government land were found in 76 quarries.

This far, over 17 First Information Reports (similar to criminal complaints in the U.S.) have been filed, and more than 50 people, including government officials, have been arrested, according to IBNLive.com, an Indian news source that works in conjunction with CNN. These include Union Minister MK Alagiri's son, Durai Dayanidhi.

The most prominent arrest among stone suppliers is PRP Exports shareholder P. Palanichamy. One of the largest stone producers in India, PRP Exports' operations have been seized by government officials.

Multiple attempts to contact representatives of PRP Export and India's trade associations have been unsuccessful.

While these events have raised concern about the supply chain of Indian stone, most importers and producers feel that the effect will not be long term, and they are confident that most -- if not all -- of India's stone materials will remain in circulation.

Stone World will bring you more details on this matter as they become available.

Did you enjoy this article? Click here to subscribe to Stone World 

You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Multimedia

Videos

Image Galleries

Surfaces 2013 preview

Surfaces 2013 -- to be held in conjunction with StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas -- is slated for January 29 to 31 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. The show, which also includes an extensive educational program that will be held from January 28 to 31, provides a place for thousands of floor covering retailers, distributors, installers, architects, designers and builders from around the world to gather and view the latest products, get vital education, network with other floor covering professionals and conduct business.

More than 600 of the largest manufacturers and suppliers representing products in every major category, including carpet, tile, hardwood, rugs, laminate, resilient and stone, are expected to exhibit at the trade show. Hanley Wood, owner and operator of the exhibition, reports that they have many new exhibiting companies and returning ones who have expanded their booth size. Additionally, Surfaces 2013 will host more than 40 workshops, seminars and mini sessions led by industry experts in the fields of business, sales, marketing, installation and design. Attendees can earn AIA, NKBA, AIBD, IICRC and AIA/CES industry designation. Here is just a small sampling of some of the displays that will be present at Surfaces 2013.

THE MAGAZINE

Stone World Magazine

SW May 2013 cover

May 2013

Stone World's new issue includes a feature on the restoration of St. Joseph Cathedral in Sioux Falls, SD as well as an inside look at the Artisan Group’s annual fabrication event in Austin, TX.

Table Of Contents Subscribe

Contemporary Stone & Tile Design Magazine

CSTD Spring 2013 cover

2013 Spring

CSTD's Spring issue features a special on Kitchen and Bath renovation. This edition also takes a look at the continuing popularity of quartz surfacing.

Table Of Contents Subscribe

Business Staff

How is your business currently staffed?
View Results Poll Archive

The Stone World Store

How_To_Polish_&_Restore_Mar.gif
How to Polish & Restore Marble Flooring

This video will show you step-by-step how to resurface and polish marble flooring from grinding and removing lippage and scratches to achieving a highly reflective polish.

More Products

Stone Guide

cover

The directory for Stone, Equipment and Supplies - the single information resource readers turn to.

Visit Stone Guide today!

  

Stone Industry Education

stone industry educationStone Industry Education is sponsored by Stone World Magazine and Marble Institute of America. The SIE events will help you: strengthen your skills, build your business, and  increase profit in your shop.  Check out stoneindustryeducation.com to register for upcoming fabricator and installer seminars.

STAY CONNECTED

facebook logo Twitter  YouTube