Hariprasad Nandalike

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (YA)

Udupi, Jun 22: With the arrival of the monsoon, pits filled with water around the rock shards in Karkala and Hebri taluks pose significant threats to the safety of the local residents. These water-filled pits, resulting from extensive laterite stone mining, are turning into hazardous ‘death traps’ and require immediate remedial action.

In both Karkala and Hebri taluks, the widespread mining of laterite stones has led to the formation of large, dangerous pits. These pits, left uncovered, have transformed into perilous lakes during the rainy season. The absence of protective barriers around these pits allows people to venture dangerously close, increasing the risk of accidents.

Karkala is particularly known for its rocky landscape, where the sound of stone crushers and cutters is a daily occurrence. In areas such as Nandalike, Kalya, Nitte, Doopadakatte, Suda Padubettu, Nelligudde, Palli, Miyar, and Mala, extensive mining operations have created deep pits that have now become water-filled hazards. Instead of properly closing off mined areas, new mining activities often begin elsewhere, leaving dangerous, unattended pits. The taluks of Karkala and Hebri, with over 60 crushers and 250 unauthorized shards, have the highest concentration of these hazardous pits in Udupi district.

Residents, particularly women and children, face serious risks from these rock shards and live in constant fear. While noise pollution from the crushers is a concern during the summer, the monsoon brings the added danger of water-filled pits. These pits, located dangerously close to residential areas, lack the necessary safety measures such as fences or warning signs, and in some places, they are perilously near roads, posing further risks to pedestrians and travellers.

The stagnant water in these pits is especially dangerous for women who descend to wash clothes and utensils, and for children who try to swim during their holidays. Workers from other states, often employed in these stone mining areas, also face risks as they may venture into the water without adequate swimming skills. Numerous fatalities and injuries have already occurred in Karkala and Hebri taluks due to these hazardous conditions.

“The large, lake-like pits formed by rock shards lack fences and adequate warning signs, making them incredibly dangerous. Despite the presence of some signboards, there are no barriers to prevent people from entering the water, increasing the risk. During the rainy season, residents near these rock shards live in fear. Urgent measures are needed to address these hazardous pits,” says Ramesh, a concerned villager.

Addressing the issue, Narasappa, the tahsildar of Karkala, stated, “The deputy commissioner has given clear directives on this matter, and the mining department has been instructed to ensure the safety of the workers. On behalf of the taluk administration, a taluk-level official meeting will be held on May 27 in anticipation of the rainy season, and appropriate instructions will be given to the village panchayat development officers (PDOs).”

The immediate implementation of safety measures and the proper management of these rock shards are crucial to preventing further accidents and ensuring the safety of the local population.