Kerala: Protest against quarry crosses 1,300 days

KOLLAM: Protests by residents of Malayil Malapathur against a granite quarry functioning here has crossed a record 1,325 days. The protesters including women and children from 50 families residing in the area allege threat to life from the promoters of the illegal quarry. They alleged that the authorities have not taken any action against the quarry despite giving complaints to police and district administration. The area was also a natural habitat of peacocks which have been affected due to the functioning of the quarry.

“We are leading a miserable life with our children suffering from diseases owing to the environmental pollution caused by the quarry. Our protests have reached nowhere due to the more influential quarry promoters filing false complaints of theft and even rape against our men. I was also charged with four cases for blocking their vehicles. We are even deprived of drinking water and rely on tankers,” said R. Sindhu, a protester.

Mud being removed illegally from near a quarry site

The protesters demand cancellation of permits sanctioned to the SN granite and M-Sand Unit functioning in Veliyam Panchayat claiming it as a threat to environment and human life. A court order dated February 13, 2013 has ordered an inquiry into the possession of government land with the Kottarakkara land board. The Kallada Irrigation Project has also banned the plying of heavy vehicles through the canal road. The Punalur DFO had earlier given a report to conduct a study on the habitat of peacocks in the area with the help of scientists from Kerala Forest Institute in Peechi, all of which have been thrown to the wind by authorities who give permission to operate the quarry, alleged the local residents.

A crusher unit functioning in the area.A commission appointed by the High Court had also found the industry using a road which is just 4.5 metres in width, against the mandate as per the Hazard Occupancy Law. The tipper lorries plying through the road is a potential threat to school children who have to share the same narrow road, it is alleged. After nearly four years of unfruitful protests, the residents resorted to extend their protest in front of the District Collectorate in the coming days.