Environmentalists warn plan to export stones, pebbles and sand can spell ecological disaster

The announcement in the budget speech was made without Environment Ministry’s knowledge, say officials who fear it could lead to unchecked exploitation of resources to the point the country may not have enough for itself.

The government’s plan of extracting construction materials and exporting them has come under widespread criticism from conservationists, calling the move shortsighted, counterproductive and catastrophic for the environment and guided by ill-intentions.