Kottur grama panchayat says No' to mining

KOZHIKODE: The special grama sabha of the second ward of Kottur grama panchayat has passed a resolution against the granite stone mining at Chengodumala. The grama sabha was convened to discuss the mining issue  and 342 persons voted against mining  and 49 favoured  it. The resolution has strengthened the agitation against the mining permission given to the  company, Delta Rock,   in the 12 acres of Chengodumala.

"We are hopeful that the   findings of various departments and the plea of the people  will  result in the revoking of the mining licence," said Mr V.V Jineesh, chairman of the action committee. The licence was given by the District Environment Impact Assessment Authority (DEIAA) without seeking the opinion of the local residents or the grama  panchayat. The assistant collector, forest department and various green groups had warned of ecological destruction in the area and recommended expert committee study. Collector U.V.  Jose, who visited the spot a few days back, had also promised  a review of the licence.

Local residents are up in arms against the project for the past four months.  The permission was given after the recommendation of a three-member committee of which a green activist was against giving the licence. Two others, a member from the mining and geology department and one from the Pollution Control Board favoured mining.