Granite mining plan triggers protests in Chengodumala

KOZHIKODE: Local residents and green activists are up in arms against the proposed granite mining at Chengodumala in Kottur grama panchayat. A private company, Delta Thomas Infrastructure Private Limited has bought close to 100 acres of land here and moves have begun to get the nod of the geology department and Pollution Control Board. The move leaked and people are now on a protest mode. “Strong public resistance is the way to stop the mining. Chengodumala is an ecologically fragile area which should invite comprehensive and scientific study before giving a green signal,” warned Prof T.P Kunjikannan of Kerala Shastra Sahitya Parishad. 

Students of Velliyur AUP School conducted a protest at Kozhikode on Sunday flaying the move. “Village life would be severely affected. It would have repercussions not only in Kottur but also in neighbouring Kayanna, Nochad gram panchayats also,” said poet Veerankutty. According to the local unit of the Nair Service Society (NSS), mining would affect the drinking water resources in the area. Indian National League, Janashree and various green organisations have announced a stir against mining. But CPM, Congress and BJP are yet to respond.

Kottur gram panchayat Vice President K.K Balan said that the panchayat had not got a licence application  from the private company. “They may be collecting other papers from government departments. If they approach us, a decision taking into consideration the concerns of people would be taken”, he stated. But people are suspicious particularly about the silence by mainstream political parties. “The said the area was first bought by another group claiming it would start a college. It then resold the property to the company who wants to mine granite stones from there,” said Shivankutty. K, a local resident.