JUDGMENT :

1. These Writ Petitions are filed against quarrying operations in the land comprised in Survey Nos.397/4-1, 397/4-2, 397/7-2, 398/4, 398/5 and 397/6 in Koovappady Village of Kunnathunad Taluk. Hence, they are heard together and being disposed of by a common judgment.

2. W.P.(C) No.30938/2016 has been filed by a resident of Koovappady Panchayat challenging Ext.P1 quarrying permit issued by the Department of Mining and Geology, Government of Kerala and Ext.P6 Consent to Operate issued by the Kerala State Pollution Control Board. The validity of Ext.P1 expired on 25.11.2016 and that of Ext.P6, on 31.03.2017. Hence, this Writ Petition has become infructuous.

3. W.P.(C) No.19908/2018 has been filed by two local residents challenging Ext.P2 Environmental Clearance (EC) given by the District Environmental Impact Assessments Authority (DEIAA). Ext.P9 D&O Licence issued by the Grama Panchayat is also under challenge, but the validity of the D&O Licence stands expired on 03.05.2018.

4. W.P.(C) No.29607/2018 has been filed by the petitioners challenging Ext.P1 NOC for quarrying, issued by the Executive Engineer, Periyar Valley Irrigation Project (PVIP). The validity of Ext.P1 stands ex