KOCHI: Ignoring strong protests from local residents and green activists, the powerful quarry mafia is razing Manakkamala, one of the biggest hillocks near Mulanthuruthy.
Red earth taken from the hillock is being transported to other areas for major construction works. The approval given by the Mining and Geology Department and the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority for the removal of red earth from the hillock, situated in an ecologically fragile area, is not based on any scientific facts, allege green activists.
"If Manakkamala is razed, it will affect more than 500 acres of paddy fields and water sources near the hillock. Water level in wells, ponds and other water sources in the area have registered sharp depletion after the demolition of the hillock," said P.A Thankachan of Kerala Sastra Sahitya Parishat.
More than 100 loads of red earth are being removed from the 20 acres of hillock area every day. However, quarrying had to be temporarily stopped after CPM activists forcefully prevented it. But the land owner has already sought police protection to resume quarrying.
Various civic and social groups and political parties are on the warpath against the illegal quarrying. A meeting of the grama sabha has recently passed a resolution against quarrying which has been submitted to the panchayat authorities.
As part of the agitation, a human chain was organised on Sunday in which more than 600 persons including Mulanthuruthy panchayat president Renji Kurian, representatives of all political parties, resident associations, social and communal organisations participated.
"If the panchayat authorities take a stern stand, the quarrying can be stopped. The panchayat committee should take a formal decision against quarrying and exploitation of drinking water sources in consultation with political party representatives," added Thankachan.
