Close on the heels of the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) searches at multiple locations across north Kerala last week in connection with the seizure of a large cache of explosives at Chemmad in Malappuram on February 7, 2026, the police have stepped up surveillance of granite quarries in Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod districts.

The stepped-up monitoring is focussed on the transportation, storage and use of explosives procured for quarrying operations, following unconfirmed reports that legally procured quantities could be diverted for anti-social activities. Police sources said special inspections would be conducted to verify stock positions and ensure compliance with statutory regulations governing the handling of explosives.

Officials said documents required for the transportation and storage of explosives would be scrutinised during inspections covering at least 200 quarries in sensitive areas. Any violations detected would invite stringent legal action, they added.

“In the past, there were a few serious complaints against a section of large-scale quarry operators regarding violations of explosive rules at blast sites. Several complaints were related to excess stock and explosions beyond the permitted limits,” said a Revenue department official who was earlier part of efforts to expose suspected violations by quarry operators in the rural areas of Kozhikode district.

He said the guidelines issued by the Department of Mining and Geology should be implemented in full to prevent violations and ensure strict compliance with safety standards.

According to officials, complaints raised by anti-quarry action councils and environmental forums have also contributed to the renewed enforcement actions. Activists alleged that inspections have been slowed down in recent months, particularly after the local body and Assembly elections, and expressed concern over what they describe as the influence over enforcement mechanisms.

“There have been isolated instances in which explosives brought to quarry sites were found missing or stolen due to inadequate safekeeping measures. Such hazardous materials should not be left vulnerable to misuse,” said a police officer who was earlier associated with flashinspections in the rural areas of Kozhikode district.

The official confirmed that the police were planning to examine the credentials of licence holders and certified blast operators attached to quarry units as part of efforts to detect any possible lapses in the handling of explosives purchased by licensed operators.

Police sources revealed that the involvement of a Mukkom native among the seven accused in the Chemmad explosives seizure case had prompted regional squads to adopt a “no-compromise” approach in the ongoing inspections. Revenue squads and officials of the Department of Mining and Geology would also participate in the drive, they added.

Meanwhile, a representative of the Small-Scale Quarry Owners Association said they were committed to ensuring the safe purchase, transportation and storage of explosives as a prerequisite for continuing operations. He also maintained that quarry operators were already passing through a difficult phase because of increasing regulations in Kerala and that the ongoing inspections should not target lawful operators in the field.