Concerns rise over environmental impact of quarrying in Hawraman

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) - Intensive quarrying in the Hawraman region, specifically in the mountains near Hanai Dn village, has sparked growing concerns among local residents and environmentalists.

The extraction of stone for construction purposes has led to significant environmental damage, including the destruction of over 500,000 trees and plants in recent years.

The mountains around Khurmal town are heavily excavated to extract building stones. Residents have observed that quarrying has devastated the local flora, leaving the areas around the villages of Bakha Kon and Gulp bereft of vegetation.

Although quarrying activities have been paused for several days, there are ongoing concerns about the environmental impact.

Lawko Hawramany, owner of one of the mines, defended the practice, stating that the quarry, which extracts "marly limestone" known for its suitability in construction, has been licensed due to its "geographical location."

He emphasized the stone's durability and its popularity for construction in neighboring countries, noting its effectiveness in resisting cold weather.

Hawraman stone, prized for its unique qualities, has gained popularity in recent years. It is extracted from mountainsides, processed by skilled craftsmen, and then transported to urban areas.

However, environmental expert Subhan Hussein raised concerns about the environmental repercussions of excessive quarrying.

"Hawraman has traditionally used stone for construction, but this does not justify the excessive quarrying that is destroying the local environment," Hussein said.

He highlighted that the extraction activities are causing the migration of birds and wildlife from the area.

Additionally, the environmental degradation could negatively impact tourism, as the natural beauty of the region is compromised.

Additional reporting by Kurdistan24's correspondent Hero Mawloodi