J U D G M E N T

The basic challenge in this batch of writ petitions is against an order of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), in terms of which minimum distance criteria from residential buildings and other human inhabited sites have been fixed for permitting stone quarrying by the Central and State Pollution Control Boards functioning under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 .

2. The issues arising for consideration in these matters being common, they are disposed of by this common judgment. The parties and Exhibits are referred to in this judgment, unless otherwise mentioned, as they appear in W.P.(C) No.16367 of 2020.

3. On 13.02.2019, respondents 3 to 115 preferred Ext.P6 representation to the Prime Minister of India with a copy to the Chairperson of the NGT complaining inter alia about the permissions and licenses granted for conducting stone quarrying at a place called Konnakkalkadavu in Palakkad District in the State, mainly on the ground that the proposed stone quarrying would affect the flora and fauna in the area adversely. The copy of Ext.P6 representation received by the Chairperson of the