Mining threatens megalithic site

Thrissur: The Muniyattukunnu hillock in Thrissur, a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India, is on the verge of being erased from the megalithic map of the country due to unscientific mining.   A major portion of the mound, which is home to a dozen Muniyaras - the dolmens of the Megalithic age-- has been gnawed away through excessive mining.

Though the people have urged the authorities to protect  the relics of history, no action has been taken so far, said Mr K. Sreenivasan, a local resident and activist. “As many as 27 quarries and two crusher units are operating in this region, while most of the dolmens remain  half-buried or broken,’’ he said.

Though the law stipulates any work in the region only with a ‘No objection certificate’  from the ASI department, illegal mining has  been taking place here with the connivance of officials, he added.

ASI officials said that a detailed report about the dolmens and violation of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act have been prepared on inspecting the site.  “The report will soon be submitted to the District Collector who has to decide on the security of the area,” said Mr C. Kumaran, assistant archaeologist of ASI, Thrissur circle.