Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Bantwal, Nov 22: Massive stone blasting, fear among anganwadi and school vehicle operators, and anger over authorities allegedly ignoring high court (HC) directives—this is the grim situation faced by residents of Tenkakajakaru area under Badagakajakaru gram panchayat in Bantwal taluk.
Despite lying in a scenic forest belt, quarry operations continue unabated in private land within the forest zone. Villagers allege that stones are being blasted using gelatin thrice a day, leaving houses and surroundings covered with stone debris. Even though four school buses pass through the road located just metres away from the quarry, explosive operations continue without pause. A family has reportedly halted construction of a new house due to fear. Agricultural lands have turned barren due to lack of water. Residents claim that despite a HC directive, officials have failed to act, leaving villagers in distress.
Locals say the quarry, operating within Badagakajakaru gram panchayat limits, has caused widespread pollution and cracks in surrounding homes and the anganwadi building. Acting upon a petition filed in the HC, the court had ordered the state revenue department, the deputy commissioner, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, and the director of mines and geology to conduct an immediate inspection and submit a report. However, officials issued a notice fixing inspection for November 22, and then, at the last moment, rescheduled it to November 26, which has triggered public outrage.
The area, surrounded by reserve forest and farmlands, received government approval for quarrying, but villagers allege serious violations of operational norms. Walls of several houses have cracked due to explosive blasting, livestock sheds have been damaged, and loud detonations are causing fear and panic. Dust from blasting is settling inside houses, and cattle are reportedly breaking free and running away in fear. Villagers claim that work on a new house had to be halted mid-way due to the ongoing threat.
Due to six months of operations, paddy fields have dried up and turned barren, villagers say. Wells have reportedly dried up too. An anganwadi, located just half a kilometre from the quarry and hosting around 20 children daily, has developed cracks due to explosions.
Villagers stated they filed several complaints with local and district administrations, but with no response. Left helpless, residents Jayaananda, Vishwanath, Narayana, Jaarappa and Deekamma jointly approached the state HC. While the court directed joint inspection by all departments, villagers allege that authorities are deliberately delaying the process.
Residents gathered at the site at 11 am on November 22, as notified, but instead received another notice via post moving the inspection date. When villagers called the Dakshina Kannada district office, an official reportedly told them the inspection was postponed due to a last-minute meeting and allegedly responded rudely when questioned.
Villagers allege officials are succumbing to pressure from vested interests and violating HC orders. They warned that if officials fail to appear again, they will conduct a protest inside the quarry premises. They have urged the deputy commissioner to take serious action, safeguard the environment, and immediately halt quarry operations that are threatening both life and ecology.
Continuous landslides after quarrying began
Residents further revealed that since the quarry began operations, frequent landslides have occurred during rains. Houses have been damaged due to collapsing hillsides. Locals fear the region may face a tragedy similar to the recent disaster in Manjanady. Villagers claim that if anything happens, certain officials are prepared to submit false reports.
They have called for urgent intervention and complete suspension of the quarry before irreversible damage occurs.